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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

  • take pills with water – you could also try taking them with something like yoghurt or fruit purée
  • lean forward slightly when you swallow
  • practice swallowing with small sweets or bits of jelly – try bigger pieces as swallowing gets easier

Don't

  • throw pills towards the back of your throat
  • tip your head back too much when you swallow – this can make swallowing more difficult
  • crush pills, open capsules or alter your medicine without getting medical advice – this could stop the medicine working properly

Good pill swallowing techniques

"Lean forward" technique:

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Dr Health-shared Official
Dr Health-shared Official
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