I have to take medicine every day, sometimes I swallow it without drinking water. Does this have any effect? ​​Please advise.

Please advise.Nguyen Van Hoa (Ha Giang)

The habit of not drinking water immediately after taking any medicine (pills, capsules, etc.) to eat food to get rid of the bitter taste caused by the medicine is not good for health.

For drugs that are capsules or capsules are easy to swallow, some people drink dry, do not drink with water (especially the elderly due to urinary disorders often urinate frequently and are afraid to drink water), dry capsules can stick to the esophagus causing esophageal ulcers which is very harmful. Therefore, taking medicine with enough water is necessary, some drugs even require drinking a lot of water (such as drugs containing sulfamide drugs) so that the drug is filtered, excreted in the urine to avoid causing kidney stones.

Therefore, if you take an antacid, do not use any liquid as it will damage the esophagus and intestines. More seriously, it can cause esophageal ulcers, corrosion and perforation of the stomach wall, which can be life-threatening.

It is best to use boiled water that has cooled down or in cold weather, drinking warm water is best for taking medicine. Drinking medicine with enough water will help the pill (tablet or capsule) from the mouth to flow quickly to the stomach, dissolve quickly without getting stuck in the esophagus, helping the medicine to absorb all of its effects.

According to Health and Life - NT