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What Should I Do When I Am Not Able To Swallow Capsules?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Dec 2021
Question: If I am not able to swallow capsules, what should I do? I'm talkin about any capsules. thanx
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Your doctor should prefer other formulations

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

There is no treatment for that obviously but your doctor should prefer to prescribe other formulations like liquid forms (when feasible) or small-sized tablets or tablets that can be chewed or crushed.

Unfortunately, there is no solution for patients who can't swallow capsules. Some drugs (but not all) can be cut into small pieces and still maintain their potential. Other drugs may be neutralized when they're not intact or they may cause harm to the esophagus. If you plan to try anything like that, remember to always ask your doctor first in order to do it with safety.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (8 hours later)
Can we open the capsule and pour it in the mouth?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Probably not

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It depends on the drug. In most cases this is strongly discouraged for two reasons. The first reason is that the drug won't probably be absorbed as efficiently (if at all) as it you'd swallowed it and the second reason is that the drug may harm your esophagus or stomach. These reasons do not apply for every drug. You should ask your doctor for any particular drug that interests you but keep in mind that drug producing companies put the drug into capsules for a reason...

Kind Regards!
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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What Should I Do When I Am Not Able To Swallow Capsules?

Brief Answer: Your doctor should prefer other formulations Detailed Answer: Hello, There is no treatment for that obviously but your doctor should prefer to prescribe other formulations like liquid forms (when feasible) or small-sized tablets or tablets that can be chewed or crushed. Unfortunately, there is no solution for patients who can't swallow capsules. Some drugs (but not all) can be cut into small pieces and still maintain their potential. Other drugs may be neutralized when they're not intact or they may cause harm to the esophagus. If you plan to try anything like that, remember to always ask your doctor first in order to do it with safety. Kind Regards!