Pills are solid forms of medication taken orally that can treat various medical conditions. Two main categories of pills exist – tablets and capsules.
The Pill Finder tool assists in the identification and classification of prescription and over-the-counter oral meds that can be taken orally. Additionally, this can help differentiate similar-looking drugs by imprint code, color or shape.
What are pills?
Pill is the term used for any solid oral pharmaceutical form of medication taken orally without chewing. While initially it was limited to tablet-shaped drugs, today the term encompasses any solid medicine you swallow without chewing; including tablets, caplets and even some gels and liquids.
Many pills contain an imprint code printed on them to make identifying it easier. This imprint code, in combination with size, shape, and color of the pill can help you quickly recognize it.
Some pills come with a line scored down their center to make breaking or cutting easier, and a pill-splitter can be used to cut them. But be careful when cutting tablets that contain special coatings designed to release their medicine slowly into your digestive tract; such pills should never be split open!
These types of pills should always be swallowed whole; breaking or crushing can allow the medicine to enter your system too rapidly, potentially decreasing its efficacy and decreasing effectiveness.
How do they work?
An oral pill travels from your stomach through your small intestine to be processed by the liver for absorption by its hormones or chemicals, which prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) by thickening cervical fluid to block sperm entry. Hormones in these pills may also stop or lighten periods as well as reduce cramps and bleeding.
Position can play an integral part in how quickly a pill dissolves due to gravity’s combined effect with natural stomach asymmetry. A pill which lands nearer to the bottom of the stomach, known as its antrum, will break down more rapidly before dissolving into its contents for absorption by the intestines.
As instructed, it is crucial that you take your pill as prescribed. Try to maintain a consistent daily schedule or else you could miss doses. Also inform your physician of all medications – both over-the-counter and prescription – you are taking so they can provide advice as to whether they might interact with the pill or cause other effects.
How do I take them?
Some individuals can find swallowing pills to be challenging. Tilting the head forward, drinking water and trying to relax may help; if these suggestions don’t work out for them, consulting with a physician or pharmacist might offer different forms of medications as an alternative solution.
One strategy that has proven successful in helping approximately 88% of people swallow pills more easily is “burying” it in something easier to swallow, such as applesauce or pudding. However, certain medications should never be mixed with food because this could compromise their effectiveness or become lodged in your esophagus and cause painful spasms.
Alternative approaches include coating pills with lubricating gel that assists in swallowing. Such products are available over-the-counter and may help those having trouble swallowing due to conditions affecting the mouth or throat, such as dysphagia or dry mouth, who struggle with swallowing pills. In severe cases, speech therapy or doctor may be recommended instead; for those having difficulty, speak to their healthcare provider immediately if experiencing difficulty swallowing pills as soon as possible rather than discontinuing medications prescribed to you. If you’re having difficulty taking pills regularly without difficulty swallowing pills then consult with your healthcare provider immediately about this and don’t stop taking prescriptions without consulting their healthcare providers or not taking your prescriptions on time!
What are the side effects?
Pills can be an effective way to prevent pregnancy, but they may cause adverse side effects that range from spotting or changes to your period, bloating, pain or breast tenderness – though these usually subside over time when taken regularly.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may occur among some users taking combined hormonal contraception, putting you at a slightly increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Speak to your physician, nurse or pharmacist regarding possible strategies to alleviate side effects. They might suggest making lifestyle adjustments or suggesting different medicines as solutions. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to review all your medicines annually – be sure to return any expired ones back to the pharmacy so they can be safely disposed of.