Cricopharyngeus — that's a tough word to pronounce. It's even tougher when you have a pill stuck in your throat.
Nonetheless, that's the name of the spot where the pill tends to get stuck. The cricopharyngeus is the ring-like muscle at the top of the esophagus. Some children and adults have difficulty swallowing pills even without having them get stuck in that uncomfortable location.
When you swallow food, the epiglottis — the flexible cartilage at the root of your tongue — folds across your voice box. That keeps the food from traveling down your windpipe to your lungs. Instead, the food goes down your esophagus and moves to your stomach.
But pills don't always go down as easily as food. When tablets get stuck, they often fail to make it past the cricopharyngeus.
Here's how to keep them sliding down:
Get wet
Lots of liquid — preferably water — is the key to swallowing a pill. Wet your whistle first, put the pill on the back of your tongue, swallow quickly, and follow up with more water, up to 8 ounces or a full glass of water. A well-lubricated throat is a better passageway for a pill. And the preliminary swallowing action gets the epiglottis out of the way.
Lubricate
Taking your medicine with applesauce is another idea unless it needs to be taken on an empty stomach. This may help your swallowing muscles work better to get the pills down.
Break it up
You can crush or divide many over-the-counter and prescription medicine and sprinkle them on food. You can purchase a pill-crusher to do the work for you, or use two spoons. Always ask your pharmacist if the medicine can be crushed, because long-acting or slow-release prescriptions will not work as they are supposed to when crushed.
If a pill does get stuck, never let it stay there to dissolve.
Many medicine will irritate your throat. A glass of water should free even the stickiest capsule. Eating some food after swallowing a pill makes sure that it goes down. Don’t do this if the pill is supposed to be taken on an empty stomach.
Tilt your head forward
Tipping your chin toward your chest can make the process of swallowing more effective.
Talk with your healthcare provider
Many people have trouble swallowing pills and so don't take their medicines or take them less often. If these ideas don't work, be certain to talk to your healthcare provider. There may be another medicine or type of dose that is easier to swallow.
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Author: Blodgett, Betsi
Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Susan K. Dempsey-Walls RN
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
