Question:
I'm having a problem taking a necessary pill-form medication

Hi. I'm 5 days post-op & now I'm having a problem taking a necessary drug, Diilantin, which I need to take against a Seizure Disorder. I need to take 5/day; my dosing schedule pre-op was 2 in morn. & 3 at night. It seemed I had no problem taking the pills in the hospital, but over the 2 days that I've been home, I seem to be less & less able to take them without feeling terribly sick. This morning I figured I'll take 1 pill each hour until my my 5 pills are taken, plus the prevacid my surgeon wants me to take once/day, so allowing a total of 6 hours to take my pills. Well I swallow my first pill and the symptoms already start: Can feel the pill stuck, nausea, tickling in my throat making me cough... What do I do? I tried opening up pill (capsule) which is very difficult as the capsule is so tough I need to use scissors (& then the powder flies all over the place); Then I mixed it in my broth or tea, but its very bitter.    — lalasmommy (posted on May 26, 2001)

May 26, 2001
Check with your pharmacist often times these types of medications come in a liquid form. Hope this helps:)
   — [Anonymous]

May 26, 2001
Alexandra, I had that same problem with my pills for the first two weeks. I checked with my Dr. and pharmicist and they suggested crushing the pills and mixing them in my jello, puddings or drinks. But make sure to check because you can not do this with all medications. Good luck for coming this far and if you have any other questions feel free to contact me.
   — Barry R.

May 26, 2001
Dilantin comes in liquid form,I don`t think it`s supposed to be crushed or capsules opened. We gave liquid in hosp. for people unable to swallow pills.Needs to be mixed with something.Check with pharmacist.Hope you find a way to take it--as you probably already know;you need to maintain a certain level of med. in your system for med. to be effective. Hugs & blessings Jody
   — jody S.