Regardless of age, swallowing pills can be a difficult task for some people. Because it is often necessary to take vitamins or medications to treat a specific condition, it is important to identify a method to reduce the difficulty in swallowing pills. Patients should remember to be patient and understand that the process will improve over time.
Step 1
Breathe deeply and remain calm. Trying to take pills while tense or anxious can cause the throat muscles to contract, making it more difficult to swallow pills. Take it slowly and relax.
Step 2
Use the straw method, advises Kidsgrowth.org. Place the pill in center of the tongue and drink a beverage quickly through a straw. This method can be effective because while a person focuses on sipping through the straw, the pill gets carried down the throat by the liquid. Some patients can distract themselves by taking their pills with their favorite beverage; however, certain medications must be taken with water or milk.
Step 3
Split the pill into halves. Some people can swallow pills when they are smaller and less noticeable. The American Heart Association advises patients to check with the pharmacist before doing this to ensure that dividing the pill won't alter its potency.
Step 4
Crush the pill and mix it into a palpable food such as applesauce or pudding. As long as the pharmacist does not object to the crushing of the pills, this is an acceptable form of taking pills, confirms Kidsgrowth.org.
Step 5
Read the pharmacist's instructions and take the pills accordingly. Some patients are reluctant to take pills because they fear that they may feel nauseous or sick soon afterward. Carefully read all the information provided by the pharmacist to understand whether pills must be taken at a certain time of day, with or without food or on an empty stomach.
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