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Expert Q&A
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| By Alesia Hanson, RPh Registered Pharmacist | ||
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My 11-year-old has a hard time swallowing medications in pill form. Any tips on how to make this easier for her?
There are many different things to try depending on what the problem is. First try placing the tablet or capsule far back on the tongue and have her take a sip of water to wash it down. You can also try a little bit of applesauce or a more viscous liquid if the medication can be taken with food.
If the tablet is too big, check to see if it can be broken and swallowed in halves. It will probably be scored if it can be broken or cut in half. Most medications in sustained release form should not be broken or chewed and many capsules should not be opened. Some medications can be crushed and mixed in a small amount of food such as pudding or applesauce.
Some medications are hard to swallow because the tablets are dry and chalky, if this is the problem see if a coated tablet is available. You can also see if the medication is available in a caplet shape rather than a round tablet, the narrower long caplets are usually easier to swallow."
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