Swallow a tablet whole with water, unless the label says otherwise
Most tablets are meant to go down your throat intact. Place the tablet on your tongue, take a sip of water, and swallow. The water helps the tablet slide down and reach your stomach, where it dissolves and releases the medicine. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet unless the label or your pharmacist tells you it is safe to do so.
Some tablets have a coating that protects your stomach or makes the medicine work slowly over time. Breaking these tablets ruins that protection and can make the medicine less effective or cause side effects. Always read the label first, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure whether a tablet can be split or crushed.
Key Takeaways
- Swallow most tablets whole with a full glass of water unless the label says the tablet can be chewed or crushed.
- Take your tablet at the same time each day to build a routine and avoid forgetting doses.
- Some tablets must be taken with food, some on an empty stomach, and some with specific drinks — check the label or ask your pharmacist.
- If you have trouble swallowing tablets, tell your pharmacist before you try to crush or chew one, because alternatives may exist.
- Store tablets in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight, and keep them in their original bottle with the label attached.
Check the label for timing and food instructions
The label on your bottle tells you when and how to take your tablet. Some must be taken with food to prevent stomach upset or to help your body absorb the medicine. Others must be taken on an empty stomach — usually at least one hour before eating or two hours after. Taking a tablet at the wrong time relative to food can change how well it works.
The label also specifies how many tablets to take and how often. If it says "one tablet twice daily," that means one tablet in the morning and one in the evening, roughly 12 hours apart. Set a phone alarm or use a pill organizer to help you remember. Missing doses or taking extra doses can reduce the medicine's effect or cause harm.
Avoid mixing tablets with certain drinks
Water is always safe. Milk, juice, coffee, tea, and alcohol can interfere with how your body processes some tablets. Grapefruit juice, in particular, blocks the breakdown of many common medicines and can cause dangerous levels to build up in your blood. Check the label or ask your pharmacist whether your tablet has any drink restrictions.
If the label does not mention drinks, water is your safest choice. Do not assume that juice or milk is harmless just because they are natural. When in doubt, stick with water and ask your pharmacist about any beverages you drink regularly.
Store tablets correctly to keep them effective
Keep tablets in their original bottle with the label still attached. The label tells you the medicine name, dose, expiration date, and storage instructions. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place — a bedroom closet or kitchen cabinet away from the stove works well. Heat, moisture, and light can break down the medicine and make it less effective or unsafe.
Do not store tablets in the bathroom medicine cabinet, because steam from the shower creates moisture. Do not leave them in a hot car or on a sunny windowsill. Keep the bottle tightly closed. If you travel, use a small pill organizer for a few days' worth, but store the rest in the original bottle at home.
What to do if you cannot swallow a tablet whole
If swallowing is difficult, tell your pharmacist before you try to crush or chew the tablet. Many medicines come in liquid form, chewable tablets, or smaller tablets that are easier to swallow. Your pharmacist can often switch you to a form that works better for you without losing the medicine's effectiveness.
If no alternative exists and your pharmacist says the tablet can be crushed, crush it just before taking it and mix it with a small amount of soft food like applesauce or yogurt. Do not crush it ahead of time and store it, because the medicine can break down. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing it.
Track your doses to avoid mistakes
Use a pill organizer — a plastic box with compartments labeled by day and time — to sort your tablets for the week. Fill it on the same day each week, and check it each morning and evening. This method prevents you from taking a dose twice or forgetting it entirely. Many pharmacies sell organizers, or your pharmacist may fill one for you.
You can also set phone reminders at the times you take your tablet. Write the dose and time on a calendar or in a notebook. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose — then skip the missed dose and take the next one on schedule. Never double up to make up for a missed dose.
Know when to contact your pharmacist or doctor
Contact your pharmacist if you develop new side effects after starting a tablet, such as nausea, dizziness, rash, or difficulty breathing. Tell them about any other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you take, because they can interact with your tablet. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, mention this before taking any new tablet.
If you feel the tablet is not working or if side effects are severe, contact your doctor. Do not stop taking the tablet on your own unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines need to be stopped gradually to avoid withdrawal effects or a return of symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut a tablet in half to take a smaller dose?
Only if the label says the tablet is scored — that means it has a line down the middle designed for splitting. If there is no line, the tablet may not break evenly, and you could get too much or too little medicine in each piece. Ask your pharmacist whether your tablet can be split before you try.
What should I do if I accidentally take two tablets at once?
Call your pharmacist or poison control right away. Do not wait to see if you feel sick. They can tell you whether the extra dose is dangerous and what to do. Have the tablet bottle in front of you so you can give them the medicine name and dose.
Is it okay to take a tablet with coffee or tea?
It depends on the tablet. Some medicines are not affected by caffeine, but others are. Check the label or ask your pharmacist. If the label does not mention it, water is the safest choice. Caffeine can also increase side effects like jitteriness or sleep problems.
Can I take multiple tablets at the same time?
Yes, if your doctor or pharmacist says it is safe. However, tell them about all the tablets you take, because some can interact with each other. Your pharmacist reviews this when you pick up a new prescription and will warn you if there is a problem.
What do I do with old or expired tablets?
Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash, because they can contaminate water or be found by children or pets. Take them to a pharmacy — most accept old tablets for free disposal. Some communities also have medication take-back days. Call your local pharmacy to ask about their disposal program.