Why do people put pills in their mouths before water?

Question

I seen this all the time on television. Personally, I always put water first so I don't have to taste the pills before I take the water.
Is there any reason why pills before water would be better? I doubt the water dissolving the pills is the reason.

Answer 1

Putting pills first in the mouth before water is not just in television but is quite the most common universal way of taking pills.

Personally I do the same. I never take any water or any liquid just before placing the pill in my mouth. The moistened tongue or mouth somehow leaves a considerable amount of TASTE of the pill which most likely has undesirable taste. Sometimes the tablet could stick on the tongue which could end up in an uneasy swallowing.

Though it is recommended to drink up a little water first before putting the pill to facilitate swallowing, majority puts the pill first before water. The reason could be because people found that way more comfortable and facilitates easier and successful pill ingestion.

One reason of doing such way could also be related to eating habits. We eat food first then drink up water to help "pushing" it down. Normally, do not drink water first then eat the food. We do not place water in the mouth first then place the food and swallow altogether, do we? Imagine how much mess it will be if eating is done that way. So with taking pills, pills is considered as a substance just like the food eaten and the way of taking it is done just the same.

Answer 2

I don't know. Thats a really interesting question. Maybe because its easier to place the pill way back in your mouth if theres no water there? I take a lot of pills every morning, including an awful tasting quick dissolving one, and I think Im going to try your way. Thanks!

Answer 3

Because pills should be placed far back in your mouth when taking them. I'd think opening your mouth with water already in it, then placing the pills in your mouth might cause the water to spill out? I don't think I've ever actually seen anyone do the water first, then the pills.

Answer 4

Hmm I never thought of that, haha. Usually I put a bit of water in my mouth first too so I don't have to taste it, but sometimes I don't if it's those kinds of pills that have the covering instead of just being powdery.

Answer 5

I'm not exactly sure, but for me, I put the pill in first. If I were to put the water in first, when I open my mouth to put the pill in after, water would spill out of my mouth .

Answer 6

I take a little water in the mouth then pop in the pill because my little niece does this to help her swallow pills.

Answer 7

WOW....I have been doing the same thing for years, taking my pills for high cholesterol and high blood pressure.....now, coming to think of that.....I will drink a whole glass of water, and my pills after,,,,,and suffer the horrible taste.....with a mild risk of vomit-----
Good Idea....why the water?...we should eliminate it from the whole procedure of taking pills....pills are at the end, the important thing...arent they???

Answer 8

People take pills with water to aid in swallowing.

It is recommended that most medications be taken with a glass of water to aid in dissolution in the stomach and therefore absorption in the stomach.

Answer 9

i always drink alot the take the pill followed by some water

Answer 10

it helps swallowing of the pill. if u took water first & kept it in ur mouth, then opened it to have the pill, water would pour out of ur mouth.