Painkillers And Hot Water

[boxtops]

Can anyone tell me why soluble painkillers (e.g. cocodamol) dissolve so much faster if you drop them into hot water than they do in cold water?

I learned this trick some years ago when in hospital, the ward nurse did it to get them to dissolve quickly. I still do it.

Why does this happen?

[sandyRoe]

Would the warm water break down the material that binds the tablet together faster?

[anneasquith]

the heat of the water

[Prudie]

I dropped Physics but isn't heat usually a catalyst for all chemical reactions?

[boxtops]

Prudie, so did I :-) I guess you are all right. They ought to mention it on the packet if you want your fix quickly!