You can also use pieces of a bagel, a cracker, or a cookie as well. The texture is similar enough to help the pill go down once the food is chewed. You can also take a drink of water afterward to help it go down easier. Some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach. Check the bottle of your medication to see if you need to take your medicine on an empty stomach.
This may be difficult if you can’t swallow the gummy bear. It may take practice. This method is especially helpful for children. Helping mask the pill-taking act with a gummy bear will help ease her into taking her medication.
You should drink water before and after this method. The honey and peanut butter are relatively thick and can feel slow going down. Hydrating your throat beforehand and after will help get the food down quicker and without choking.
Make sure you don’t chew in the pill.
Next, you move up to a slightly larger sized candy such as a Skittle, regular M&M, Jelly Belly jelly bean, or Tic Tac. Repeat the same procedure with this size until you feel comfortable. [5] X Research source Practice every day for about 10 minutes until you’re swallowing a piece of candy that’s the same size and shape of the pill you need to take. This can help children work up to taking medication. Just make sure you explain that taking medication is serious and that pills should not be thought of as candy.
Drink water afterwards to ensure it goes down as easily as possible.
Take a few additional gulps after the pill is in your throat to help it move down. The water should be cool or room temperature, but not cold or hot. [7] X Research source
This method opens up your throat wider with the first swallow, which allows the pill to ease down your throat, which is not larger, on the second swallow. [8] X Research source
The suction used to pull the liquid through the straw makes it easier to swallow the pill. [9] X Research source [10] X Research source
If the pill feels lodged in your throat, you can drink more water after you swallow the pill. Fill your mouth about 80% with water. If you overfill your mouth, you will not be able to swallow all the water at once, and the method may be less effective. You may be able to feel either the water or the pill in your throat. This does not usually trigger the gag reflex and is perfectly harmless. You can use this method with drinks other than water. [11] X Research source
You can try any of the other methods with food or drink on your child unless it says otherwise.
Don’t let air into the bottle when you take a drink. This method is best when used with large tablets. [13] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source [14] X Research source The suction action of your drink of water will open your throat wider and help you swallow the pill better. This method is not intended for children. Only older individuals should attempt this method.
This method works best on pills in capsule form. [15] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source [16] X Research source You can try this method on your child as well. After she takes a sip of water, just have her stare at the floor while you slip the capsule in the side of her mouth. The pill will float and she can swallow it and the water. [17] X Research source
This will help soothe your nerves and break the association of pill time being stressful, so your body will be less likely to gag. If you are having trouble, you can talk to a psychologist to help you break through your anxiety about taking a pill. [18] X Research source If you are trying to help a child swallow a pill, help make them feel comfortable by getting her mind off of the act before asking her to do it. Read her a story, play a game, or find some other activity that helps her relax before asking her to take the pill. The calmer she is, the more likely she will be to take the pill.
You can also use a mirror to place the pills on your tongue. The farther back you put the pill, the shorter ways it has to go before you swallow it. You can also do this with a child who is terrified of choking. Do it along with her to show that you understand her fears, but convince her that there is nothing to fear.
Don’t take a pill and try to use it in any other way unless your doctor says you can. Don’t crush pills to make them a dispersible or try to use a pill as a suppository that isn’t supposed to be. Always consult your doctor before you change the way in which you take medication.
