To ask how you swallow tablets?

129 replies

GarlicBreadStan · 09/11/2025 07:22

For as long as I can remember (I'm 27, if that matters) I've had real issues with swallowing tablets. I can swallow my contraceptive pill absolutely fine, but anything bigger than that and I really do struggle. I often end up with the tablet dissolving in my throat, or I gag when trying to swallow it even with water. I've had to result in taking Calpol before because it was just easier. Because of my difficulty with swallowing tablets, I often don't take painkillers and just suffer through pain (and I have a migraine at least twice a month).

How do you take tablets or, if you can't, do you get prescribed/buy liquid painkillers?

Thank you x

P.S. sorry for saying the word "swallow" so many times :s

OP posts:

JumpLeadsForTwo · 09/11/2025 19:32

Lokielo · 09/11/2025 08:09

If you can swallow food normally you can train yourself to tablets. Follow a hospitals instructions (like this one from Alder Hey or have a look for online videos - sorry they all involve children because there’s an assumption that adults don’t need help). Essentially start with a very small sweet and work your way up in size. If you only take larger tablets occasionally it’s a good idea to practice regularly so you don’t get anxious when you do need to take a tablet.

Using a sports bottle so you’re sucking can help and ‘drink through’ by swallowing three or four gulps of water quickly can also make it easier. Try to focus on drinking rather than tablet taking.

Tablets tend to sink, so head back slightly to help them move to the back of the mouth, but only slight as tipping right back can make it more difficult to swallow. Some people find tipping the head forward is easier. Capsules float so head forward is advised.

If you are struggling to take an essential medicine, do speak to your practice pharmacist. Depending on the drug there’s often lower strength tablets that you can double up so they’re smaller or liquids available. Some you can mix with food but you won’t usually find this out from the leaflet that comes with them.

This absolutely works for kids and adults alike - follow the advice properly and it’s magic!

PigletJohn · 09/11/2025 22:30

I might buy some tictacs and try out some of these ideas.

Saysayonara · 11/11/2025 18:23

I tried using a sports bottle and it does make it easier for taking my vitamin tablets, thank you to the posters who suggested that. I haven't tried it with anything bigger yet.

'Practising' with tictacs would not help me as I would be just as worried about one of them getting stuck in my throat.

ImthatBoleyngirl · 11/11/2025 18:58

Relaxd · 09/11/2025 07:28

I put tablets in then liquid to avoid early dissolving issue. I keep swallowing water several times until definitely all gone. Also a game changer was when a nurse told me that with multiple tablets it’s far easier to take all together than one at a time. It’s true.

I agree. I take 7 tablets all at once.

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