I will admit that I’m a sucker for a snappy headline.
And, despite my best efforts to resist, I have clicked on a few dubious headlines over the years. Luckily none have resulted in my bank account being drained or my computer being bricked. But sometimes the urge is there – and sometimes I can’t stay away.
Recently, I came across this headline, “Are you taking pills the wrong way?”
Hmm. Am I? Should I find out?
What if it’s a scam and they will steal all my info – and soon my mailbox will be filled with counterfeit drugs from sketchy online pharmacies?
So, it was with a healthy dose of trepidation that I clicked on the link.
And much like the feared Y2K bug – nothing bad happened.
While much of this is common sense – there are some interesting points to learn from the article. Summarized below:
Reasons for difficulty swallowing pills (pill dysphagia):
- Small oesophagus
- Past surgeries
- Esophageal stricture
- Heightened gag reflex
- Insufficient saliva production
- Anxiety or fear of choking
Tips for taking pills:
- Use the "pop-bottle technique"
- Practice with small candies like M&M's
- Coat pills with yogurt, applesauce, or honey
- Take pills with at least 4 ounces of water
- Use a large gulp of water rather than small sips
Beverages for taking pills:
- Water is preferred
- Avoid fruit juices, dairy products, carbonated drinks, and alcohol
- Non-acidic carbonated drinks like seltzer can help in some cases
Multiple pills:
- Generally safe to swallow multiple pills at once if no difficulties
- Ensure each pill passes the throat before taking the next
Taking pills with food:
- Follow medication instructions and doctor/pharmacist guidance
- Some pills are best taken with food, others on an empty stomach
- Certain foods can interfere with absorption or effectiveness
The best position for taking pills:
- Tilt head slightly forward, not backward
- Lying down and leaning to the right after you take a pill can speed up absorption
- Stay upright for certain medications to avoid irritation
Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen):
- Not interchangeable; each has specific purposes
- Follow dosing guidelines and daily limits
- Consider potential interactions with other medications
- Ibuprofen and aspirin are best taken with food; acetaminophen is okay on an empty stomach
Of course, all of this advice is always followed with the statement to consult your doctor or pharmacist if there are any questions. Solid advice for anyone.
In this particular incident, the “clickbait” turned out to be safe and informative. I’m happy to report I still have a bank account, my laptop is still working, and the national grid didn’t shut down due to the Y2K bug.
Until next time.
Mike Auerbach
Group Editor in Chief, Pharma Group
mauerbach@comparenetworks.com
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