Swallowing pills can be tricky for some people, especially when you have dysphagia. These 10 tips can help make the process easier:
- Drink Water First: Drink a few sips of water before attempting to swallow the pill. This can moisten your throat and make swallowing smoother.
- Use the Pop-Bottle Method: Place the pill on your tongue, then take a sip of water from a bottle, keeping your lips tightly sealed around the opening. Tilt your head back slightly, and swallow the water and pill together.
- Lean Forward Method: Place the pill on your tongue, take a sip of water, then tilt your head slightly forward (chin to chest) and swallow.
- Use a Pill Swallowing Gel: Some over-the-counter gels coat the pill and make it easier to swallow by providing a smoother surface and easing friction. They are a good option if the pill should not be taken with food as they do not interact with the medication like a yoghurt or puree would. An option available in New Zealand is a product called Gloup, available online and at pharmacies.
- Hide the Pill in Food: For pills that can be taken with food, place the pill in a spoonful of applesauce, yogurt, or pudding to help mask the texture and make swallowing easier.
- Break or Crush the Pill and mix in yoghurt or puree: Check with your doctor or pharmacist first to see if the pill can be safely broken or crushed. Some pills should not be crushed because they are designed to release slowly in the body and crushing them could cause harm to you.
- Practice with Small Lolly: To get used to swallowing pills, practice with small lollies like mini M&Ms or Tic Tacs to build confidence and develop a technique.
- Use a Pill Swallowing Cup: Specially designed cups (pill cups) hold both the pill and water together, making it easier to swallow without much effort.
- Take the Pill with Food: Some pills can be taken with food to reduce discomfort. Check if your medication can be taken with a small snack or meal to help the pill go down smoothly.
- Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist for an alternative: some medications come in different forms e.g. liquid or dissolvable.
- Stay Calm and Relax: Anxiety about swallowing pills can make it harder. Take deep breaths, relax your throat muscles, and don’t rush the process. Swallowing in a calm state is generally easier.
If you have a progressive dysphagia, one that gets more difficult over time, the transition tends to move from:
1- pills with water
2- pills in a puree or a swallowing gel
3- crushed pills mixed in a puree or swallowing gel or in a liquid form
Always consult with your pharmacist and GP for guidance on the available options and to check if the medication you want to change can be taken with food or crushed.