You can help your patient succeed in learning to swallow pills by remembering this simple list of do's and don'ts.

Do's

• If working with a child, it is best if you can teach the child how to swallow a pill before it is medically necessary.
• Do not rush. Swallowing pills is easier when relaxed.
• Eliminate distractions while taking the medication.
• Use positive reinforcement. (“Good job!”).
• Give the patient (child or adult) some control, such as allowing him to choose which drink he wants to use (if reasonable) or which technique she wants to try.
• Swallow the pill while standing or sitting up.

Don'ts

• Do not try to teach your patient to swallow pills when you are rushed or have a time limit.
• With children, do not refer to medicine as candy or a treat. This can lead to overdosing.
• Do not trick your patient or hide the pill from him. This can lead to other problems, like mistrust and unnecessary anxiety. For further information, see Ten Guiding Principles.
• Regardless of the age of the patient, do not tell the patient that he or she is “too old” to have trouble swallowing medication.
• Do not use negative comments such as "I can't believe you can't do this" or “You are such a baby.”