Having trouble swallowing tablets or capsules? You’re not alone

Let’s face it, taking tablets isn’t always fun. They can feel chalky, leave a weird aftertaste, and often difficult to swallow. And those large capsules? Even worse! For many people, struggling to swallow tablets and capsules is a major barrier to enjoying the benefits of daily wellness supplements.

What if we told you there’s a simpler, more comfortable way to take your vitamins, without having to swallow tablets or capsules? Say hello to dissolvable strips: an innovative, hassle-free solution that makes supplement-taking easier than ever!

Why can’t I swallow tablets?

There are many reasons why swallowing tablets and capsules can be difficult, and it often varies from person to person.

One common issue is a mental block, fear of choking or discomfort can trigger anxiety, which actually makes your throat muscles tighten and stop the tablets and capsules from going down. A dry mouth can also make swallowing harder, as there isn’t enough moisture to help the tablets and capsules slide down smoothly.

How to take tablets and capsules when you can’t swallow them

The good news? You have options. Whether you want to work on swallowing tablets and capsules more comfortably or explore alternative forms of supplements, here are some helpful tips:

1. Drink water: Always take your tablets with a glass of water. A dry mouth can make swallowing much more difficult, so staying hydrated can really help.

2. Try the lean-forward technique: Place the tablets and capsules on your tongue, take a sip of water, and gently lean your head forward as you swallow. This trick helps guide the tablets and capsules more naturally down your throat.

3. Practice swallowing safely: Start small, try swallowing tiny pieces of soft food like bits of bread to get used to the feeling. Over time, this can help you build confidence and improve your technique.

What is oral transmucosal medication delivery and why is it useful?

When we think of taking medicine, we usually think of swallowing tablets and capsules or getting an injection. But there’s another method called oral transmucosal medication delivery, which simply means the medicine is absorbed through the tissues inside your mouth, such as under the tongue or between your cheek and gums.

This method offers some major benefits. Because your mouth is rich in blood vessels, the medicine enters your bloodstream quickly, often faster than tablets and capsules. Plus, it skips the stomach and liver, which can break down part of the medication before your body can use it.

It’s especially helpful for medications that need to act fast. A well-known example is nitroglycerin, used for heart conditions. Other heart medications like captopril and verapamil are also being studied for this delivery method.

Oral transmucosal delivery is also used for pain relief, some opioids, for instance, are sometimes given this way to manage sudden, intense pain. It’s a fast, needle-free option that works well for people who struggle with tablets and capsules.

This method has even been tested with sedatives like midazolam, anti-nausea medications like scopolamine, and medications for erectile dysfunction. Hormones like testosterone and oestrogen are also being studied for oral-absorption, with early results showing promise for mood, muscle strength, and heart health.

That said, it’s not suitable for every medication. Some medications don’t absorb well this way, especially those used for mild symptoms or where speed isn't essential. And because it's expensive to develop these types of products, they’re typically only created when there's a clear medical need.

In short: oral transmucosal medication delivery offers a fast, effective, and needle-free alternative to traditional medication, but it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Looking for a better way to take your supplements?

If swallowing tablets and capsules just isn’t for you, dissolvable strips might be the perfect solution. These innovative, high-absorption strips use the principles of oral transmucosal delivery, absorbing through your mouth for quick and easy results. No water, no swallowing, no stress.

So if you're tired of hard-to-swallow tablets and capsules, it’s time to try something new, simple, convenient wellness that works for you.

Adapted from blog by Rachel Wickenden and article “Oral Mucosal Drug Delivery: Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Applications” by Hao Zhang, Jie Zhang, and James B. Streisand.