Often, the way medications are taken is crucial to their successful use. Whether an active ingredient comes in the form of a tablet, coated tablet or juice depends on when it is to act, where it is to act and at what time in the body. Around 1.4 billion packages of medicines are sold in Germany’s pharmacies every year, 749 million of which require a prescription. When the medicines are handed over, pharmacists and staff point out special instructions for taking them. We have summarized what should be observed when taking tablets, capsules and co.
Taking tablets
With tablets that are swallowed, the active ingredient is absorbed in the stomach or intestines. These tablets contain fillers (excipients) such as lactose and so-called “disintegrants”, which facilitate the dissolution of the tablet. For the tablet to dissolve completely, it must be taken with plenty of liquid.
What should tablets be taken with?
Tap water or still mineral water at room temperature is best for taking tablets. Warmer water would dissolve the tablet already in the mouth or during swallowing in the throat and then trigger an unpleasant gag reflex. Milk and fruit juices are unsuitable because they can lead to interactions with the active ingredient of the medication. Tablets taken with alcohol are more likely to cause liver damage than successful recovery.
What is the best way to take tablets?
Tablets are best taken with the upper body upright. If you swallow tablets lying down or only half erect, there is a risk of choking. Of course, this also applies to all medications that are taken “orally” (by mouth), including coated tablets, capsules, juices, drops, teas or syrups. To be able to take the tablet easily, it is best to tilt the head slightly forward (!). If one puts the head backwards, the drinking liquid can run ahead and the remedy in the mouth or in the esophagus get stuck.
When to take? Pay attention to the package insert!
Unless a doctor or pharmacist recommend otherwise, the package insert provides information on the optimal time to take the drug. Because should be considered in any case, because while one drug is swallowed on an empty stomach, another must be taken together with a meal because of its stomach-irritating effect.
Why should tablets not be divided?
Do not split tablets unless they have a break notch specifically designed for this purpose and the directions for use specify a half or quarter tablet for dosing. This is because not all tablets may be divided: Film-coated tablets, coated tablets, and sustained-release tablets deliver their active ingredients selectively and often over a long period of time. The outer layers of a tablet may trap bitter compounds that would be released if split.
- In film-coated tablets, the film protects the active ingredient from attack by stomach acid. The film itself does not dissolve until it reaches the small intestine, at which point the active ingredient can be absorbed by the body. So if film-coated tablets are broken, then the stomach acid destroys the active ingredient and the drug becomes ineffective.
- The long-acting sustained-release tablets must also not be split; this is because they deliver the active ingredient to the body over a period of hours. By breaking the tablet, the active ingredient would be released abruptly in the body and could act like an unwanted overdose.
- Coated tablets consist of a core and a layer that completely surrounds the core. They are best taken unchewed with liquid.
- Capsules have a gelatin shell, which can be hard or soft. The inside of the capsule contains the solid, liquid or paste-like active ingredient. Capsules must also be taken with plenty of liquid.
Tablet divider from the pharmacy
Sometimes the doctor prescribes only a half or quarter tablet. Then the tablet must be divided. The experience with this is universal: rarely can the drug be divided smoothly. The package insert will tell you how best to divide the tablets. In addition, a tablet divider can be purchased at the pharmacy, which makes it easier to divide the medication. It is advisable to take a look at the tablets directly when buying them or when filling the prescription. If there are any problems with taking the tablets, they can be solved on the spot.
Large tablets easier to swallow
A few tricks can make especially large tablets easier to swallow. A sip of water before taking the tablet moistens the mouth. The tablet should then be placed as far back as possible on the tongue and washed down with plenty of water. Especially with large tablets, the head should be tilted slightly forward (!) when taking the tablet – as described above – so that the water does not run out of the mouth and the tablet does not remain on the tongue. If the tablets cannot be swallowed at all, another form of administration may be possible.
Not all tablets are swallowed
Some tablets develop their effect only when they melt under the tongue. The mucous membrane there is extraordinarily thin and smaller drug molecules can therefore easily penetrate it. In this way, the active ingredient enters the bloodstream directly and the drug takes effect very quickly. Such tablets are used, among other things, in the treatment of severe pain or acute angina pectoris attacks.
Tablets melt on the tongue – what to consider?
For the effect to be sufficiently strong, the drug must have contact with the oral mucosa for a sufficient period of time. Therefore, the corresponding tablets must not be sucked, but must slowly melt. Tablets that dissolve under the tongue (sublingual) or between the gums and cheek (buccal) are also called lozenges. You should also follow these tips:
- Denture wearers should push a lozenge above the denture into the upper cheek pocket.
- Careful eating and drinking cold drinks are possible.
- However, with a tablet in the mouth should not be smoked. If medication is prescribed for an inflammation of the mouth or throat, the harmful substances from cigarettes prevent the healing process in the mouth and throat anyway.
Assistance from the pharmacy
Taking medication properly is often particularly difficult for older people. Childproof caps, for example, are sometimes insurmountable when the lid must be pressed down and turned at the same time with trembling hands. In this case, the pharmacist can decant the contents into a normal screw-top jar and label it accordingly. With a push-through aid, tablets can be removed from so-called “blister packs” more easily.
Effervescent tablets: let them fizz up calmly!
Effervescent tablets are dissolved in water and then drunk. Unlike regular tablets, they contain, for example, sodium carbonate for rapid dissolution and flavors such as berry, lemon or orange. Effervescent tablets are also not dissolved in hot drinks, milk or juice – unless the package insert specifically calls for this. With effervescent tablets that have an expectorant effect, you should also drink plenty of water frequently between each dose. This helps to remove the dissolved mucus. When the effervescent tablet is completely dissolved, it should be drunk directly. If you drink it sooner, not all of the active ingredient will be absorbed and the desired effect will be delayed or will not occur at all. Again, your pharmacy will be happy to provide competent advice on all medication issues.
