Table of contents:
- Is it okay to take pills while lying down?
- Don't lie down, this is the correct position to take the medicine
- The correct and safe way to take medicine
- 1. Always read the rules of use
- 2. Do not take more than the dose
- 3. Do not mix drugs with other liquids
- 4. Consultation with a doctor
When you are sick, your body usually feels so weak that you are lazy to get up. This condition is often the reason you take medicine in a lying position. However, can you take medication, especially in pill form, while lying down? Find out the answer below.
Is it okay to take pills while lying down?
Even though your body is weak, it is not recommended that you take medication while lying down. Especially in pill or capsule form. This type of medicine, even if not taken while sleeping, often gets stuck in the esophagus.
These stuck drugs don't just make your throat feel uncomfortable. These stuck drugs can release the chemicals they contain, which can irritate the lining of the esophagus. As a result, the lining will be injured, perforated, bleeding, or narrowed.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, there are some people with certain conditions who are at risk of developing problems with the esophagus if they take medication while lying down, including:
- People with strictures (narrowing of the esophagus)
- People who have scleroderma (crusting)
- People who have achalasia (irregular muscle activity of the esophagus that delays the passage of food)
- People with strokes
In addition to problems with your esophagus, taking the pill while lying down can also cause you to choke. This is you take back the medicine that you are taking.
Don't lie down, this is the correct position to take the medicine
Do you understand what are the consequences of taking medicine while lying down? So, to avoid the bad risks caused by taking the medicine lying down, don't be lazy to correct your position.
Try placing a pillow behind your back for support so that you can sit up straight. If you are very weak, ask your partner or family member to help you sit up.
After taking the medicine, do not lie down immediately. You need to wait 10 to 15 minutes in the same position for the medicine to pass smoothly through your esophagus. Don't forget, prepare a glass of water to properly push the medicine through the mouth and throat.
Apart from the upright sitting position, there are also health experts who recommend taking medication while standing. However, this position is usually possible if you are able to stand up.
The correct and safe way to take medicine
Apart from not taking medication while lying down, there are a number of other medication rules that you need to pay attention to, including:
1. Always read the rules of use
Each drug has different drinking rules. Never take medication without reading the rules of use first. The reason is, your careless attitude can lead to inappropriate drinking time and drug dosage.
2. Do not take more than the dose
Taking overdose of medication does not make your body healthy any faster. Conversely, the side effects that you feel will get worse.
3. Do not mix drugs with other liquids
Apart from not taking medication while lying down, it is best to drink water instead of tea, milk, or alcohol. Drinks other than water contain caffeine or other substances that can reduce the effectiveness of the drug. It has even more worrisome side effects.
4. Consultation with a doctor
Minor illnesses such as flu or colds are usually easier to treat. However, if you have this disease accompanied by other medical problems, such as kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, or liver problems, you should consult before using certain drugs.
