What is the proper technique for administering oral medications?

The proper technique for administering oral medications is to use water, as it aids in swallowing and ensures that the medication is adequately dissolved, facilitating its absorption in the digestive tract. Water helps to wash down pills, reducing the risk of choking and ensuring that the full dosage reaches the stomach for effectiveness. This practice is standard unless there are specific contraindications, such as certain medications that require specific instructions for administration, or individuals who have swallowing difficulties.

Using food to mask the taste may sometimes be applicable, but it is not the best practice universally, as some medications can interact negatively with food. Crushing medications can also cause issues. Not all medications are safe to crush; some might be time-released or coated for protection, which means that altering them could change how they work or cause undesirable effects. Mixing medicine with juice can enhance the flavor but may also interfere with the medication's absorption or effectiveness, particularly if the juice contains certain compounds that react with the drug. Therefore, the preferred method is to administer oral medications with water unless contraindicated.