Trouble Swallowing Pills? What's Your Solution?

Updated on January 09, 2012
E.C. asks from Fort Covington, NY
17 answers

I have trouble swallowing the gelatin capsules. They float to the top of my throat and then I feel like I'm going to choke. I'd be interested in hearing if you have the same problem and if you've discovered a solution. I know you're not really supposed to chrew these, but it's the only way for me to injest the medicine (other than completely take them apart and sprinkle on food). My husband acts like he's gargling when he takes them. I've tried this and it doesn't work for me. Thanks!!

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

When I take capsules I tilt my head forward to get them to the back of my mouth before swallowing then I immediately eat something like a piece of toast or some crackers. That pushes the med down into the stomach and it helps it get dissolved in the right place.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Chicago on

Take it with a spoonful of applesauce or something similar to weigh it down. I wasn't able to swallow pills until my late 20's and that is always how I took them. Of course I cannot eat applesauce to this day without it tasting like medicine.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W..

answers from Chicago on

my daughter takes capsules with yogurt instead of liquid.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have heard to take a few sips of water before taking the pill. Have you tried that?

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have to take pills with milk. It seems to help push them down better.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.L.

answers from Chicago on

I always take a big gulp of water, tilt my head back, throw in the capsule, and then swallow. Yeah, some of it IS just a mental block (after all, you do swallow chunks of food larger than that). I like the idea of sticking it in some applesauce or yogurt..that way, it's kind of like just eating a spoonful of something chunky.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.F.

answers from Tallahassee on

I've never had a problem swallowing pills, but my daughter hasn't mastered it yet. If she has to take a pill, it helps her to swallow it if I put it in a big spoonful of applesauce or yogurt.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.K.

answers from Boston on

If none of these ideas work, please don't take them apart or chew them unless a pharmacist says it's ok. Rather, work with your pharmacist and doctor to find a chewable or non-capsule alternate. I'm sorry this is diffiuclt for you, but you are too important to keep choking when you try. All my best.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

I always fill my mouth with water (or any drink) first and then toss the puppy back into the throat so it is "bobbing" in the water then I swallow that way I don't really feel it touch my throat!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L..

answers from Roanoke on

The trick for me is to do it quick..just toss the capsule in your mouth and drink OJ or juice (water doesn't really do it for me, I don't like the "taste" of pills). The key is to keep drinking; don't just take one big swig, because if it doesn't go down, you'll be left with a soggy yucky capsule stuck to your tongue. Fill a whole glass and drink the whole thing, and don't put it down until you chug chug chug!!

M.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have trouble swallowing anything I can not chew on first. Sometimes what helps me is taking drinks of water and chewing a cracker or cookie first finishing that and before the last bite I take the pill. I dont chew it, but the motions I had done before get rid of the anxiety of taking the pill. In reality you swallow bigger chucks of food than any pill made, but its the fact you can not chew it, that give most people mental block. Its all in the brain and you have to trick it or coax it to let you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Boston on

Take a gulp of water and place pill on top of the water in your mouth - now bring your chin down toward your chest which will naturally float the pill toward your throat and swallow. Once you do it a couple of times - you'll see how it works and no more worries. People think you should tilt your head back buth this actually restricts the throat and makes it a little harder to swallow. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Boston on

I am terrible at swallowing pills. I cut the powder ones in half and for the gel one, i stopped putting my head back because it activated my gag reflex. Now i keep it straight and even slightly down. I take it with juice. I sip some juice and then put it in my mouth before swallowing. Make sure not to have too much liquid in your mouth before you try swallowing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

I try to psyche myself out and make my throat big and take a big gulp, if that makes sense.

When I first started swallowing pills, I would mush up a mini marshmallow til it was nice and sticky and put that on the pill first to make it tasty and slick. Fluff might work, too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

use Aquafina or some other reverse osmosis drinking water to take medication.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Norfolk on

Is it that they sort of stick to your tongue when you try to swallow? If that's the case I'd coat them with a little flour maybe? Then stick it as far back in your throat as you can, drink, and swallow. Like ripping off a band-aid, quick!

I have no trouble with pills but I hate it when those things stick on your tongue a little and it feels like they're not gonna go down with the water.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Portland on

I take all my supplements with milk. Seems to coat the throat on the way down.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions