A Tough Pill to Swallow?

These tips can make pills easier to swallow for childrenor adults:

• Place the pill in a mouthful of chewed coarse food(ie, cereal, bread, fruit, or salad) and swallow.
• Drink fluid through a straw to raise the palate and providea brisk flow that can "wash the pill down."
• Cover the pill with butter or margarine to reduce any unpleasanttaste or aroma and to provide a slippery coating.

As an alternative to pills, consider prescribing apediatric suspension. Keep in mind, however, that for adultdoses this may be expensive.

-- David L. Smith, MD
   Lewiston, Me