Do you ever take medication in the form of a pill? Almost everyone has to at some time or another, even if it is aspirin. But it's not always easy.

  Keep in mind that many people have a problem getting pills to go down and try the following suggestions:

• Take some water into your mouth, but don't swallow. Tilt your head back, plop the pill into your mouth and then swallow. Because you are dropping the pill into the liquid, you may not feel the pill in your mouth at all.
• Obey the law of gravity and always stand up to swallow medicine, so that it won't get stuck. If you are bedridden, sit up as straight as possible.
• Wash it down with several ounces of water. If possible, drink another half glass of water five minutes later.
• Stay on your feet, or upright, for at least two or three minutes. If you are taking it before bedtime, do it before you get ready for bed.
• Before you put the pill in your mouth, drink a swallow of water. Advance lubrication helps. Fruit juice also works, but first check with your pharmacist because milk products and grapefruit juice can alter the effectiveness of some medications.
• Put the pill or capsule as far back on your tongue as possible.
• If you drink the water from a bottle and keep your lips on the bottle as you drink, the sucking action will make the pill go down more easily.
• If you think the pill is stuck, eat several bites of soft food, and then drink some water.
• Try to avoid breaking tablets in half, since the ragged edges may increase the likelihood of sticking.
• If your pharmacist says it is okay, crush your pills and mix them into pudding, yogurt or applesauce. Some pills may not be crushed, however.
• For children, have them practice with candy pills. Start with small pieces such as sprinkles or cake decorations and work your way up to small, capsule-shaped breath mints. Don't try anything more than 1/4 inch in diameter.

  If none of these tips work, ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medication comes in a different form. Some medications are now available through a skin patch or suppository. Also, one company has produced straws that contain a dose of dry medication. As the patient uses the straw to drink, the medication goes down with the liquid.

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