Question:
How do I get the powder from the actigall capsules down without gagging?

My surgeon would not remove my gallbladder because she said it was very healthy. She does have me taking Actigall twice a day by opening the capsules and sprinkling the powder on food. I have never tasting anything worse in my life. It makes me gag. I would appreciate any hints on getting this down. I want to be compliant and not get gallstones down the road. Actigall tastes so nasty.    — Ann B. (posted on April 2, 2003)

April 2, 2003
Ann, may be stupid question, but have you actually tried swallowing the capsule whole? I know they are bigger than a typical capsule, but they do slide down pretty easy. I took them the 1st 6 months post-op with no problem. You can even try chewing food and when you're about to swallow, stick the capsule in with it. have you tried it with pudding? Just a thought, I can't imagine how bad the powder must taste! Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 2, 2003
Ann, I also have been taking actigall since my release from the hospital, and I have always just swallowed the capsule, with no ill effects. I know every doctor is different, but I don't think I could do just the powder. Anyway, it has never hurt me any taking the capsule. Teresa
   — teresa H.

April 2, 2003
While I eventually took the capsules whole, I waited a good bit before trying (months). In the meantime, go down and buy a stack of those little Dixie paper cups like you put in the dispenser in the bathroom. Pour a small shot of milk in one, and a full Dixie cup of milk in the other. Dump the contents of the capsule in the partial cup, and toss it back like a shot of tequila. Then chase it down fast with the other cup of milk. Of course, you may want to use a beverage of your choice, but milk worked well for me. I took -could-not- stand the taste of this stuff, so I developed this system to kinda toss it back past the old taste buds. Good luck to ya!
   — Greg P.

April 2, 2003
I am 6 weeks out. I also swallow the actigall capsules whole. I seem to have more problems with the calcium citrate pills. I have liquid calcium at home, but don't use it on work days as I take my morning meds at work and don't want the bottle of calcium visible to my students. We all eat our breakfast together. I try to not let them see, but if they do, I tell them that I am taking vitamins. Anyway, many of them take medication (special ed), and the nurse often uses applesauce, yogurt or kool-aid to help them swallow the powdered meds. Good luck!
   — Fixnmyself

April 2, 2003
I've been swallowing mine whole since 10 days post-op. No problems. If you take a big sip of water the pills get pretty slippery and go down very easily. I would never open it up and try to take it that way. Yuck!
   — Dee ,.

April 3, 2003
My doctor had us mix the contents of the capsules with either applesauce or yogurt. It still tastes horrible but it helps a little. Good luck!
   — Suki L.

April 3, 2003
Hi Ann- It seems like I remember someone saying they mixed their "nasty tasting powder from inside a capsule" with Splenda or Sweet & Low, something like that. Good Luck!
   — Mea A.

April 3, 2003
The first day out I tried swallowing the capsule, and then I burped a couple minutes later and the powder came up through my nose!! YUCK! I still haven't gotten over that sensation. For me it's easier to mix it with about 1/2 oz. yougert. The taste isn't fantastic, but I'm getting used to it. I like the Yoplait light. I know there's some sugar, but with only a couple tablespoons it's minor. There's my two cents! Good luck!
   — Eryn G.