Taking Capsules???

[K-Lash]

hello folks. im currently trying to take capsules but unfortunatly im being a big p*ssy about it. and i cant seem to swallow them. i need to take them daily so is there any sort of techniques that i could use.
cheers peeps

[Ethel]

Place as far back in your mouth as you can, and a big drink of water will quickly get it down

[sqad617]

Twist the capsule open, pour the contents into a spoon.....and down with a drink.

[K-Lash]

cheers ethel and sqad617. ill have to man up and do it.

[Ethel]

Do NOT do that - if it could be taken in that form, it would be dispensed in that form.

It is in a capsule to make sure it gets digested at the proper rate and in the right place.
If it is a slow release drug you could be in real difficulties if you take it without the shell.

Here is one technique for swallowing them:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/PUarticles/sw allow.htm

[sqad617]

Ethel....he cannot swallow the capsule, which means he cannot take his medication.

It is the contents of the capsule that is pharmacological active NOT the capsule which is often made just of gelatine and dissolves in the stomach.

Again, it is the contents of the capsule which is slow release.

[andy-hughes]

My advice is as follows.

Pop the capsule in your mouth, and hold it there.

Take a mouthful of water.

Lean forward at the waist until you feel the capsule float tihe water.

Straighten up and throw your head back in one fluid motion.

The capsule and the water will go down together.

[K-Lash]

thanks everyone for the advice. especially Ethel. i am going to try all of your advice. if it still dont work out. ill consult my gp and ask if i can split the capsule. cheers peeps!

[gelda]

After a time you get used to it it's all phsycological really, I'm on chemotherapy at the moment and have to take 38 tablets a day, I just put them as far as possible at the back of my mouth, close my eyes and just swallow them with loads of water. As Ethel says check with your gp before splitting them open, there was a case recently where an old lady couldn't swallow her pills so she crushed them up, she died the next day due to them disolving through her system too quickly.

[K-Lash]

cheers gelda....38 TABLETS A DAY?!! thats crazy. but yea it is basically phsycological. THANKS PPL!

[Robinia]

If you can drink milk (preferably whole, not skimmed) have a couple of mouthfuls & then take your capsule. The fat in the milk coats your mouth & throat & the capsules/tablets don't stick.

[mandimoo]

and just to completely disagree with everyone and every instinct you have to put the capsule as far back in your mouth as possible, under the notion that it hasnt so far to travel...... try putting the capsule just on the tip of your tongue before taking a big swig of water. this has always worked for me.

[blackcat77]

I find that taking tablets is easier if I drink water (or whatever you are taking them with) from a bottle - I think that as you have to raise your head it encourages the capsules the right way.

[puddicat]

You can get alot of medicines in liquid form, as my guys have reflux issues, so we have dispersable tablets or liquid equivalents, have you told your doctor you have issues swallowing!!!

[eash]

Quite a few tablets advise not taking them with milk. Not sure why just what it says on the leaflet/packet.

[Doolallygirl]

Or you can ask pharmacists to make medicine out of the tablets. Touch wood, so far I haven't needed tablets for anything medical as I'm rubbish at taking them and gag every time I try (psychological definitely!) but for some reason I can manage the tiny Nurofen sugar coated ones but that's it! I am taking Sea Kelp at the mo to help with my hair growth and I have to cut those pills into 6 pieces and take each individually!

[puddicat]

Milk hinders the absorption process, try soya milk!!!

[smudge]

I find placing the capsules on the tip of my tongue, then swallowing them with water works for me.

Placing them at the back of my tongue would make me gag, 'specially if swallowed with milk.

But we're all different, thankfully.