Swallowing pills can be challenging for some people. Here are some tips that can help:
1. Drink water before taking the pill to moisten the mouth and throat.
2. Place the pill in the center of your mouth and avoid placing it in the back of your mouth as this can make swallowing more challenging and possibly trigger your gag reflex.
3. Tilt your head down slightly and swallow with water.
4. If you find it hard to swallow medicines with water, try one of these tips:
- Ask your pharmacist if it is OK to crush the pills you take.
- Use a pill-swallowing device.
- Lubricating gels: These lubricate the pill to help make it go down easier.
- Change positions can make swallowing pills easier. Some people with pill swallowing difficulties find that tilting their head forward or backward helps.
- Visualize yourself successfully swallowing the pill before you swallow it.
- Use applesauce or pudding.
Here is an example of how to swallow a pill:
- Take a sip of water and hold it in your mouth.
- Place the pill on your tongue and swallow it with the water.
