Tablets and capsules are cheap to manufacture and therefore a very common solid dosage form. However, many people report difficulty swallowing these forms of medication, according to research by Hermes Pharma and Spiegel Institut. The survey, conducted with consumers from Germany and the U.S., found that 70% of 16 to 34 year olds and 44% of people over 65 have difficulty swallowing pills. Their reasons were pills that were too big, pills having a bad taste, and getting stuck in the throat.
Consumer’s negative experiences with taking pills have resulted in poor treatment adherence. Of those surveyed, 32% broke up tablets before swallowing, 17% dissolved pills in water and 8% stopped taking their pills completely. By using these methods, and not taking medication as directed, patients may inadvertently affect the way their medication works.
With so many patients reluctant to take their medication as directed, alternative forms of delivery may be beneficial. Chewable tablets, lozenges, orally disintegrating granules and instant drinks may be more appealing to patients and lead to improved compliance.
Click here for tips on how to make swallowing pills easier
Read more at in-pharmatechnologist.com
