Project Peach
Kingussie Pharmacy Logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Kingussie Pharmacy LogoKingussie Pharmacy Logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Pharmacy Services
Our Pharmacy
Health & Advice
Order
Book
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Kingussie Pharmacy LogoKingussie Pharmacy Logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Pharmacy Services
Our Pharmacy
Health & Advice
Order
Book
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
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 can take some pills with other drinks or food. Always read the instruction leaflet

  • lean forward slightly when you swallow

  • practise swallowing with small sweets or bits of bread – try bigger pieces as swallowing gets easier

Don't

  • 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

  • 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

Important

Do not try these techniques if you also have difficulty swallowing food and drink (not just pills), as you might choke. See a pharmacist or GP for advice.

Problems swallowing pills: Lean forward technique
This video shows how to swallow a pill using the "lean forward" technique.
Problems swallowing pills: Pop bottle technique
This video shows how to swallow a pill using the "pop bottle" technique.
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:

Last Reviewed
31 August 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
Kingussie Pharmacy Logo
We are proud to serve our community with top-notch pharmaceutical services and personalised care. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
Premises GPhC No: 1042161
Superintendent Pharmacist: Sanjay Majhu (GPhC No. 2052397)
Menu
About Us
Pharmacy First Scotland
Pharmacy Services
Order Prescriptions
Travel Clinic
Health A-Z
Healthy Living Zone
Download Our App
Opening Hours
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
Kingussie Pharmacy © 2024
Website by bewell.uk
Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms & Conditions