Many people find it hard to swallow pills. There are things you can try to make it easier.
Tips for swallowing pills
Do
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take pills with water
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always read the instruction leaflet first - it may recommend taking the pills with food
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lean forward slightly when you swallow
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practise swallowing with small sweets or soft bread
Don't
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do not throw pills towards the back of your throat
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do not tip your head back too much when you swallow – this can make swallowing harder
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do not crush pills, open capsules or alter your medicine without getting medical advice - this could stop the medicine working properly
Do not try these tips if you also have difficulty swallowing food and drink. You may be at risk of choking. Ask a pharmacist or GP for advice.
A pharmacist can help if you cannot swallow pills
A pharmacist can tell you if your medicine also comes as a liquid or a tablet that dissolves. These might be better options for you.
They can also advise you to crush, divide or open up certain tablets or capsules. Only do this if they say it is safe.
Causes of swallowing problems
Reasons for finding it hard to swallow pills include:
- fear of choking - this can make your throat tense and narrow when you try to swallow
- a dry mouth
- general swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) - for example, due to a condition such as a stroke