All people have taken capsules or pills when they are sick, but you may not know that if the capsule is “stuck” in the esophagus, or if it is stripped and taken, it may damage the esophagus.
What’s the reason? This is related to the design principle of the capsule dosage form.
The medicine inside the capsule is generally a powder or granule that is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, has a bad taste, is volatile, and is easily broken down by enzymes in the mouth or inhaled into the trachea. These medicines are packed into capsules, which not only protects the medicines from being destroyed, but also protects the digestive tract and respiratory tract.
4 Tips to Take Capsules Without Hurting Stomach
When taking capsules, you only need to master 4 skills to protect both the effect of the medicine and the stomach.
01. It Is Better to Take Medicine in a Standing Position
Some people with weak physique prefer to lie down immediately after taking the medicine, or take the medicine while lying down.
This is not conducive to swallowing the capsule, and it is easy to make it stay in the esophagus and accelerate the release of the drug. If the drug has a strong irritation to the esophagus and stomach, it may cause damage to the esophagus and even the stomach.
Correct demonstration:
It is best to take the capsules in a standing position. Bedridden patients should also sit up as much as possible, erect the upper body, and lie down after the capsules are completely swallowed, so that the medicine can completely enter the stomach.
02. Capsules Cannot Be Peeled and Eaten
Some medicines are easily decomposed by enzymes in the oral cavity, and they will fail if they are taken off the shell. Drugs that are highly irritating to the gastrointestinal tract may cause stomach pain when taken apart. Sustained-release, controlled-release and enteric-coated capsules should not be stripped and eaten, otherwise the onset time will be affected.
Correct demonstration:
Swallow the entire capsule.
03. Take the Medicine with Cool Boiled Water or Warm Water
Taking the medicine with hot water is very intimate, but it may hurt the stomach.
If the capsule is taken with hot water, the outermost gelatin shell is easy to soften and stick to the esophagus, causing injury. If the softened capsule reaches the stomach, it quickly lyses to release drugs that are more irritating to the stomach, which will aggravate stomach discomfort.
Correct demonstration:
Capsules should be taken with warm water, and the water temperature should generally not exceed 40°C.
04. Drink 3 Sips of Water While Taking the Medicine
Swallowing medicine dry or drinking too little water may allow the medicine to stay in the esophagus and damage the mucous membrane. Do not want the capsule to be “stuck” in the esophagus, so drink the right three mouthfuls of water when taking the medicine.
Correct demonstration:
Wash your hands before taking the capsule, pour a cup of 200-300 ml of warm water, and take the capsule in three steps.
● Drink a sip of water before taking the medicine, so that you can get used to swallowing and moisturize your throat and esophagus.
● Put the capsule in your mouth, take a sip of water, swallow the medicine, water in your mouth can prevent the capsule from sticking to the throat.
● Swallow the capsule and drink a large sip of water to prevent it from getting stuck in the narrow part of the esophagus.
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