Swallowing Pills

[seal!]

I can't swallow pills, i find it impossible. are there any tips to help get the pill down?

[Jamie Lewis]

Try swallowing them with orange juice rather than water. It worked for me when I was a kid.

[Scarlett]

Yes, put the pill as far back on your tongue as possible, so it is already nearly gone! Then imagine it is not there. Imagine that you are REALLY thirsty, and you want to have a big swig of water. Then drink the water, thinking only about how great water is, forgetting that the pill is there! Works for me!!

[Moonhead]

As a child my grandmother used to put the pill in a spoonful of jam. Slips down in one that way :)

[Quizmonster]

One method is to do almost the exact opposite of what seems reasonable! Most people suggest tipping the head back in order to help pill and water to go down. Try tipping your head forward instead...you can still swallow, believe me. This leaves the throat more open and comparatively unrestricted. Sounds ridiculous, but it works.

[Robinia]

Try taking them with milk - full cream is best if you can drink it.  Have a couple of mouthfulls first as milk coats the mouth & throat, & you'll find the tablets won't stick.

[Dagman]

Are the pills coated with a shiny surface(like smarties), if not try to get those that are, I find the ones with a chalky texture stick on the way down. The shiny ones are referred to as 'enteric coated'.

[smudge]

I always find it easier to place a tablet on the tip of my tongue, then swallow with water or squash. If I put it on the back it makes me gag.

[Litchick]

Those are all great suggestions but my doctor always told me to take most pills with water -- some you can with milk but something about interactions or something.

Also, silly question but I knew a Jamie Lewis who worked at an advert agency in New York City.  Are you the same Jamie?

[krissy04]

If none of those techniques work, try smushing up the pill. And then eating the mushed up pill with some jam.. it helps, and you cant even taste the nastyness of it...

[Kay]

Try Quizmonsters suggestion,I find it much easier than tilting the head back. Put the pill in your mouth,tuck chin into chest and swallow with liquid.As QM says the pill will go down. I was taught this method years ago. Good luck!

[Ray the DJ]

If it was a bean or pea you'd swallow it. So why not put food in your mouth and swallow the pill with the food.

[andy hughes]

Put the pill in your mouth, and take, and hold, a mouthful of water. Keep your moth firmly closed. Tip your head right forward - bend from the waist if it's easier. The pill will now float in the water in your mouth. Straighten up and throw your head back in one swift motion, and swallow - the whole lot will go down without stopping.

[soonny]

try sticking it in a banana and eat the banana. :p

[dr d's eggs]

My partner has a similar problem.  She uses a pill crusher to create a fine powder which she can then swallow with a drink of water.  it cant be used for all pills though, check first with your GP.  Some medication can be provided in liquid of suppository form.

[Kay]

AB Editor,why are all my questions and answers edited????

[AB Editor]

Fina - we'd prefer it if you didn't post your questions and replies in all-bold type.

As I believe I've mentioned to you before, we regard this as one of the written equivalents of shouting.

Thanks for your understanding.

[buchanan]

I couldn't swallow tablets until I tried this way (adaptation of andy hughes' method), get a mouthful of water and drop the tablet into it so you don't really feel it in your mouth at all, then swallow

[Kay]

AB Editor,Thanks for the explanation re my posts being edited.I did'nt realise that bold print was looked upon as shouting. My posts were edited previously as I was typing on colour. 

[joannab]

Yes i have the perfect solution, when i was younger i refused to take pills. So my mum used to break up the capsule and sprinkle it in a banana split in half long ways. I ate it and didnt have a clue. Crafty way but it worked for me