Can You Swallow Chewable Tablets?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not chewable tablets can be swallowed whole.
Can you swallow chew tabs? I just prefer to swallow tablets that are too sweet.
Sep 23, 2022- Most chewable tablets can be safely swallowed whole because stomach acid will dissolve them and they will be absorbed normally.
- A very small number of chewable tablets must be chewed as directed, so check the package label or ask your pharmacist if you're unsure about a specific product.
- Chewing a tablet may cause it to work slightly faster than swallowing it whole, but this difference is not significant for most medications.
Answer
Yes, the vast majority of chewable tablets can be swallowed intact with no problems. Chewable tablets are designed and manufactured to be broken up in the mouth, to aid people with swallowing problems or to increase palatability. When chewable tablets are swallowed whole, the acid in our stomach will dissolve them and they will be absorbed like usual.
Are There Chewable Tablets You Must Chew?
It is extremely rare for a chewable tablet that cannot be swallowed whole, but there are examples. One such example is the prescription drug Fosrenol (lanthanum carbonate). After the drug was released, there were reports of serious GI obstruction and fecal impaction when chewable tablets were swallowed whole.
The above is a rare example, however. In most cases, you can feel safe swallowing chewable tablets whole if you desire. If you have a question about a specific product, consult your pharmacist or check the package labeling.
Are There Any Disadvantages To Swallowing Chewable Tablets?
Overall, there generally is no problem swallowing most chewable tablet products.
However, aside from some very specific product requirements (as mentioned above), there are some cases where chewable tablets are absorbed faster than swallowing (and not chewing) a solid dosage form, and thus, may work faster.
Essentially, a chewable tablet is already partially broken down from chewing and the digestive action of saliva, which makes it more quickly absorbed than an intact tablet when it reaches the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. This isn't overly significant though for most drugs, and may simply result in a chewed tablet working just slightly faster.
Final Words
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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Chewable tablets
- Tablets designed to be broken up by chewing in the mouth before swallowing, often to help people with swallowing difficulties or improve taste.
- Palatability
- How pleasant or acceptable a medication tastes to a person.
- Absorbed
- The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body.
- GI obstruction
- A blockage in the gastrointestinal tract that prevents food and liquids from moving through the digestive system.
- Fecal impaction
- A condition where stool becomes stuck and hardened in the colon, preventing normal bowel movements.
- Dosage form
- The physical shape and format in which a medication is made available, such as tablets, capsules, or liquids.
- Saliva
- Liquid secreted in the mouth that helps break down food and begin the digestive process.
- Gastrointestinal tract
- The system of organs in the body responsible for digestion, including the stomach and intestines.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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