This post was written by Allison Berryman, PharmD, Parkview Health.
Poor-tasting medications and pill size can be a struggle for patients at any age. For a one-time illness, such as a winter cold, gulping down a cap of cough syrup can be manageable. However, for those who rely on medications long-term, these challenges can become a barrier to treatment. In some cases, it can discourage patients from taking a medication multiple times, which may ultimately lead to switching to a less preferred alternative that is easier to take.
Below are some tips to help you navigate both of these common situations.
Bad-tasting medication hacks
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Speak to your local pharmacist about adding flavoring to your prescription. Most community pharmacies can supplement medications with flavors such as cherry, grape, orange or others.
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At home, try mixing liquid drugs with a small amount of flavored water enhancer, chocolate syrup or maple syrup.
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You can improve the taste of chalky medications like Augmentin® (amoxicillin/clavulanate) by mixing it with chocolate or vanilla ice cream. However, only use an amount that the patient will be able to finish, so they do not miss out on their full dose.
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After taking the dose, wash it down with your favorite juice or chocolate milk. White grape juice is known to be good at masking bitter-tasting medicines.
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Numb the taste buds by eating a popsicle or sucking on a small piece of hard candy prior to taking the medicine.
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For liquid medications, try using an oral syringe to squirt the medicine directly into the back of the mouth, avoiding taste buds.
Trouble swallowing medication hacks
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Ask your pharmacist if your pills can be crushed and then mix it with a small amount of applesauce, pudding, ice cream or sherbet. Keep in mind that not all medications can be crushed due to the way they work in the body.
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Insert whole capsules into a spoonful of flavored gelatin, pudding or jelly to help ease them down the throat.
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Swallowing aid gels, such as Gluop®, are commercially available products that suspend pills in a jelly-like substance, allowing the medicine to glide smoothly down the throat without agitation.
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Place smaller pills inside a Junior Mint candy. The mint helps mask the taste, and the chocolate can make swallowing easier.
Learn more
Parkview Outpatient Pharmacies and Specialty Pharmacy provide a wide range of prescription medications and individualized support for those with chronic and complex conditions. At select locations, we offer customized medication solutions, including compounding and flavoring, making it easier for patients to take their prescribed treatments.
For more information on pharmacy services, contact or visit a location near you.
