Swallowing pills (problems)
Finding an alternative form
If you or the person you care forfinds it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules, you can ask your GP or pharmacistif there's an alternative form of the medicine.
TheSwallowing Difficulties websiteand the British National Formulary (BNF) may also havedetails ofpossible alternatives.
Your pills mayalso be available in one of the following forms:
- a liquidparticularly useful for people with dysphagia who rely on a feeding tube
- a dispersibletablet that disintegrates in water
- a buccaltablet that dissolves when held between cheek and gum
- a patch
- a suppositoryinserted into the bottom or vagina
- a cream
- an inhaled version
Seek the advice of a doctor or pharmacist if you feel unsure about giving medicinefor example, if you're not sure how to give liquid medicine througha feeding tube.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
If you or someone you care for struggles to swallow pills, you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Finding an alternative form
If you or the person you care forfinds it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules, you can ask your GP or pharmacistif there's an alternative form of the medicine. TheSwallowing Difficulties websitea
Crushing tablets or opening capsules
You can ask your GP or pharmacist if your tablets can be crushed, or your capsules opened and dispersed in water, before taking them. Only certain tablets or capsules can be given this way. The follow
Legal issues
Anurse or carer of someone withdysphagia shouldn't alter the form of a medicine by crushing or opening it, unless they've been instructed to do so by a doctor. If you crush or open the medicine to giv
10 tips for swallowing pills
1. Moisten your mouth with saliva or water beforehand (a dry mouth makes swallowing harder). 2. Place the pill in the centre of your tongue, and lengthways along your tongue if the pill is oval-shaped
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