Question:
Is it safe to swallow large pills?

Is it safe to swallow large pills, such as calcium tablets? I have been doing it for the last month and haven't had any problems, but I am little concerned. They dissolve within 5 minutes in room temp water.    — Tracy S. (posted on April 13, 2002)

April 13, 2002
I had the same concern about those huge calcium citrate tablets, so I asked my doctor. He said they should be no problem for me and to go ahead and take them. I've been taking them the last few weeks also, and no problem. I'm 8 weeks post-op.
   — Kathy J.

April 13, 2002
If they were going to cause problems, you would almost certainly know it by now. Keep taking that calcium.
   — garw

April 13, 2002
I tried to take a fairly large pill, I am two months out and I had the dry heaves for an hour. I guess it is an individual thing.
   — Happy B.

April 18, 2002
I talked to a gentlemen who said he had a large pill actually block his opening to his pouch.He said that was the last time he did that!!I guess it all depends which way your pill could turn going down.But i guess everyone is different.
   — Lora B.

April 18, 2002
Yes, it should be fine. I ONCR had two caplet shaped pills stick together in an X (guess how I know??), but aside from being pretty hysterical, that's it. I had a bit of trouble with Citracal, but in my throat, not pouch. I take calcium citrate CAPSULES now, so they slide right down, dissolve in 4 minutes in saliva. No problem.
   — vitalady