The most common way people take medications is orally (by mouth).
This process is known as absorption.
Tablets and Capsules
In general, you should take tablets and capsules with water.
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If you have any questions about this, ask your pharmacist.
If you havetrouble swallowing your medication, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
Additionally, many pharmacies can add different flavoring to liquid medications without an additional prescription by the healthcare provider.
In medicine, a teaspoon means exactly 5 milliliters (ml).
Your household teaspoons may hold more or less than 5 ml.
They can show you how to properly use these.
Many over-the-counter liquid medications come with a small medicine cup attached to the top of the bottle.
Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter.
Chewable Tablets
Chewable tablets should be chewed until they have completely dissolved.
They’re not meant to be swallowed whole.
Examples of chewable tablets include Tylenol Chewable and many brands of childrens vitamins.
Examples of medicated chewing gums include Nicorette Gum (nicotine) and Aspergum (aspirin).
Lozenges
Lozenges are meant to dissolve slowly in your mouth, like hard candy.
They should not be swallowed.
Examples of medicated lozenges include Commit (nicotine) and Cepacol (benzocaine).
Softchew Medications
Softchew medications are meant to melt in your mouth or to be chewed.
Tip for Swallowing Pills
Swallowing pills can be an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience for some.
For example, German researchers found success with the following technique called the “pop bottle method.
“This technique was tested with tablets.
Furthermore, if you have difficulty swallowing in general, you should probably be evaluated fordysphagia.
On a final note, always read the instructions carefully and take your medications as recommended.
If you have any doubts or concerns, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, chewable pills are designed to be chewed and not swallowed whole.
Not unless it is a chewable formulation.
Many medication labels warn that you should not crush or chew a tablet.
In particular, time- or extended-release tablets should never be chewed.
Doing so can result in more medication being released into the bloodstream, which can be dangerous.
In addition, some medications can irritate the stomach lining.
Chewing these medications can compound the problem.
Sometimes, but check with your pharmacist first.
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