Problems swallowing pills
Lots of people find it hard to swallow pills. There are things you can try to make it easier and a pharmacist can offer advice.
How to make it easier to swallow pills
Do
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take pills with water – you can take some pills with other drinks or food. Always read the instruction leaflet
-
lean forward slightly when you swallow
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practice swallowing with small sweets or bits of bread – try bigger pieces as swallowing gets easier
Don’t
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do not throw pills towards the back of your throat
-
do not tip your head back too much when you swallow – this can make swallowing more difficult
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do not crush pills, open capsules or alter your medicine without getting medical advice – this could stop the medicine working properly
Good pill swallowing techniques
Video: problems swallowing pills – Lean forward technique
This video shows how to swallow a pill using the “lean forward” technique.
Media last reviewed: 31 October 2020
Media review due: 31 October 2023
Video: problems swallowing pills – Pop bottle technique
This video shows how to swallow a pill using the “pop bottle” technique.
Media last reviewed: 31 October 2020
Media review due: 31 October 2023
Important
Do not try these tips if you also have difficulty swallowing food and drink (not just pills), as you might choke. See a pharmacist or GP for advice.
A pharmacist can help if you cannot swallow pills
A pharmacist can advise you about:
- other versions of your medicine that might be available – for example, you might be able to get it as a liquid or dissolvable tablet
- crushing, dividing or opening up tablets and capsules – this should only be done on their advice
Causes of swallowing problems
Problems swallowing pills can be due to:
- fear of choking – this can make your throat tense and narrow when you try to swallow
- a dry mouth
- general swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) – for example, due to a condition such as a stroke
Page last reviewed: 25 September 2020
Next review due: 25 September 2023
