Being able to swallow tablets is an important life skill but one that many find difficult. Swallowing tablets is the easiest and most accessible way of taking medications as many drugs do not come in liquid or soluble form, many cannot be crushed and some non-tablet forms are very expensive.This page provides some general advice about how to swallow tablets successfully and with confidence.

  • Tablets are much smaller than the width of your throat and the pieces of food that you swallow every day.
  • Always have a drink to ensure your mouth is moistened before taking tablets.
  • Use cold or room temperature drinks when taking tablets to prevent them dissolving in your mouth.
  • Everyone has a preferred way of taking tablets, there is no right or wrong way.

 

If you find swallowing food or drink difficult, alternative forms of medication may be required for you. You can also ask to be seen by the speech and language therapist.

  • Place the tablet on your tongue wherever you wish; this can be the front, middle or back of your tongue.
  • Take a large sip of drink to wash the tablet back into your throat. Once you have swallowed, have a few more sips of drink to help the tablet go down and dissolve in your stomach.
  • A chin down posture or having your head slightly lifted can help. However, tipping your head back a lot can make swallowing more difficult so try to avoid this.

  • Placing the tablet on a small spoon of yoghurt, fruit puree, custard or anything of a similar consistency and swallowing them together (check with your doctor or pharmacist that it is ok to have your medication with food).
  • Having your drink through a straw; the suction can help swallow the tablet.
  • Place the tablet towards the back of your tongue and take a large sip of drink.
  • If you struggle with gagging, try taking a deep breath and holding your breath until after you have placed the tablet on your tongue and swallowed.
  • There are also lubricants available that you may wish to try (https://gloup.shop/).

If you need general information or advice about Trust services, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 020 8909 5439 or visit www.rnoh.nhs.uk

Alternatively, please contact staff who are providing your care if you require clinical advice.

If you would like this leaflet translated into another language/large print, please contact the Quality Team on 020 8909 5439.

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
Brockley Hill
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 4LP

Switchboard: 020 3947 0100
www.rnoh.nhs.uk

 

24-06 © RNOH

Date of publication: March 2024
Date of next review: March 2026
Author: Belen Lopez, Principal Speech and Language Therapist

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Printing of this document is only valid on the day printed, please refer to the website for most up to date information:

https://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-guides/swallowing-tablets

Page last updated: 14 July 2025