how to swallow a pill

2 hours ago 3

To swallow a pill effectively, you can use these proven techniques:

Place the pill on your tongue, preferably near the back but not too far back to avoid gagging.
Take a medium to large sip of water but do not swallow immediately.
Tilt your chin slightly toward your chest (lean forward).
Swallow the pill along with the water while keeping your head bent forward.
Follow with another sip of water to help the pill go down smoothly

Put the capsule on your tongue.
Take a sip of water but don’t swallow yet.
Tilt your chin down toward your chest.
Swallow the capsule and water while your head is bent forward.
This method has shown about 89% improvement in ease of swallowing capsules

Fill a plastic water or soda bottle with water.
Put the tablet on your tongue.
Seal your lips tightly around the bottle opening.
Use a sucking motion to drink and swallow the water and pill simultaneously, keeping contact between your lips and the bottle.
This method improved swallowing tablets by about 60% in studies

Drink plenty of water before and after taking the pill.
Practice swallowing with small candies or bits of bread to improve your swallowing reflex.
You can also try burying the pill in a teaspoon of applesauce or pudding if your medication allows it.
Using lubricating gels or sprays designed to help pills slide down easier can be beneficial.
Avoid tipping your head back too far as it can make swallowing harder.
Do not crush or alter pills without medical advice

If you have difficulty swallowing food or liquids in general, do not try these techniques without consulting a healthcare provider.
Pharmacists can advise on alternative forms of medication such as liquids or dissolvable tablets if swallowing pills remains difficult

These methods are supported by research and clinical advice to help make pill swallowing easier and safer