Taking medication is sometimes necessary to relieve various symptoms and illnesses. However, some pills are so large that they are difficult to swallow. You may worry every time you have to take a pill. If you have a lot of difficulty swallowing pills, there is still hope for you. Here are a few helpful strategies for swallowing pills.
Drink Plenty of Water
Do not take your medication until you have a glass of water nearby. Water will moisten your mouth, helping you swallow the pill a lot more easily. Make sure to drink water before putting the pill in your mouth and then swallow it with water. Continue drinking the water until the pill has made it all the way down your throat.
Put Your Pill in Food
Another thing you can do is put your pill in soft food, like applesauce or mashed potatoes, and take it that way. It could help the pill go down more smoothly. However, do not try to cut or crush the pill in your food. Doing this could release the pill too quickly into your system, increasing the risk of an overdose.
Use a Pill-Coating Lubricant
If you are someone who frequently has trouble swallowing pills, you may want to give a pill-coating lubricant a chance. A lubricant can help the pill slide smoothly down your throat and improve the taste of the pill.
Try the Lean Forward Method
Another effective strategy for swallowing pills is the lean forward method. To begin, put the pill on your tongue and drink a sip of water. Then, move your chin toward your chest and swallow the pill.
Practice
If you do not master pill swallowing right away, do not feel too bad. It sometimes takes a little practice. Try practicing swallowing something a little easier, such as gummy bears. Once you get used to swallowing, taking a whole pill will not be so intimidating.
Try a Pill Swallowing Cup
The next time you go to your local pharmacy, ask the pharmacist where the pill swallowing cups are located. These cups have a top that extends toward the back of your throat and can help with the natural swallowing reflex.
Swallowing pills is not always a walk in the park, but following these useful tips can make it a little easier. If you have additional questions about taking your pills, do not hesitate to ask your local pharmacist.