Alternatives to Optimal Administration of Tablets

ABSTRACT. Hasselbalch H, JØrgensen F, Wamberg T, Hey H. (Department of Radiology, Glostrup Hospital, the Dispensary, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Departments of Medicine B and Radiology, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, and Department of Clinical Physiology, County Hospital, HillerØd, Denmark.) Alternatives to optimal administration of tablets. This controlled investigation of 27 volunteers compared the effect of cold and lukewarm tap water and carbonated water on the passage through the esophagus of a large circular tablet containing barium sulphate and of the same size and specific gravity as an acetylsali‐cylic acid tablet (Kodimagnylss®). The influence of yoghurt on the passage of the same tablet was also examined. The investigation emphasized the importance of taking tablets together with 100 ml of liquid. A comparison of the transit times for tablets taken together with 100 ml of cold carbonated water and 100 ml of lukewarm tap water showed a significantly better passage when the tablets were taken with cold carbonated water (p=0.01). A similar advantage of carbonated liquids was seen when tablets were taken with 25 ml of lukewarm tap water as compared with 25 ml of cold carbonated water (p=0.01). Administration of a tablet in a tablespoon of yoghurt is a good alternative, even though the bioavailability of certain preparations may be reduced. 1985 Association for the Publication of the Journal of Internal Medicine