is it possible to open a capsule and just take the contents if swallowing is an issue?

Question

there are many minerals and herbs that i would like to take for keeping healthy. some come in capsules, the plastic outer shell that can be opened. if i just swallow the contents, the effect would be the same since the capsule would disolve immediately anyway, right? some please help me out. thanks.

the pills are bee propolis.

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

Normally, yah, you can just open the capsule and swallow the contents, like you can crush a pill and it's still the same pill. Unless there's some *long term effect* purpose of putting the stuff in capsules = first the outer capsule dissolves, then the inner some couple of hours later.

Answer 3

The contents of the capsule will be absorbed in the mouth, that's why its in a capsule to protect the contents from directly being dissolved in the mouth. If the contents are dissolved in the mouth then the body would not absorb the nutrients. The acids in the stomach have a hibgher acidity than those in the mouth, easily dissolving the capsule and contents with it. So its best not to destroy the capsule.

Answer 4

Don't do it. The contents of the capsule are in the outer shell for a reason. They're not supposed to dissolve immediately. Also, most are so strong that they can cause the throad to constrict and you could possibly choke. This is especially true of sleeping capsules or nerve pills. Follow the rules, ok?

Answer 5

oh gosh now does that ever bring back bad memories! lol I had big problems taking pills (4 my allergies, which were then really bad) when I was like 7 or 8. That's what my parents had 2 do. and we had to open the little blue and white pills and put the insides in a bottle of water and i had 2 drink the whole thing. man it worked pretty much but it was still very hard. but I found out that if u shove the pill in the very back of your throat the long way facing into your throat u can swallow it so much easier. just be sure not 2 gag yourself! good luck=)

Answer 6

Of course it is possible to take the contents of a capsule. In some cases, the type of capsule determines how quickly the contents are absorbed. You assume it is immediate. If that is the case it seems OK to me. I like to run questions this by a pharmacist, especially if a pharmaceutical is involved.

Answer 7

You can break open the capsule and just take the contents. The capsule is just made of gelatin anyways and the body has a heck of a time breaking it down.so you have the perfect solution!
I have heard that in some cases people cannot break down the capsule and all and it has shown up in Xrays!

Answer 8

Without the capsule the medicine starts getting digested immediately (digestion starts in the mouth)... The capsule is there so that the medicine inside does not get absorbed until it is in the stomach where absorption into the blood stream is more efficient. So, if you remove it you should take it with food like yogurt or apple sauce.

Answer 9

Please do not open any capsules to take the medicine and/or herbs inside.

This will be exposing your system/body to an over abundance of the medicine all in one mouthful. When these things are inside of the capsule, the medicine/herbs are released a little at a time.

Have a lovely rest of the evening.

Answer 10

You can do it but be careful. Some of that stuff is made to be absorbed gradually. I know the pediatrician told me that I could open certain medications for my son if he had trouble swallowing. Most meds will have a warning about it if there is a danger but vitamins and supplements aren't regulated by the FDA. Your best bet would be to ask a reputable pharmacist. They would know even better than a doctor.

Answer 11

If you're going to do that, I would get the liquid form of whatever you're taking. Check with your health food store, as many things can be found in liquid form. It is ok to take the capsule apart, except if the product states that it is "time released". In that case, you should not take apart the capsule.