Oral Medications: How to Take Pills, Tablets & Capsules Safely

What Are Oral Medications?

Oral medications are drugs taken by mouth, including tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, and sublingual preparations. They are the most common and convenient form of medication delivery, with the active ingredients absorbed through the digestive system or oral mucosa to reach the bloodstream.

Oral medications represent the most widely used method of drug administration worldwide, accounting for approximately 80% of all medications prescribed. The term "oral" refers to the route of administration through the mouth, and you may see the word "oral" on medication packaging (such as "oral solution" or "oral tablet") to indicate this method of delivery. This route is preferred because it is non-invasive, convenient, and allows patients to self-administer their medications at home without medical supervision.

When you take an oral medication, the drug travels through your gastrointestinal tract where it is absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, it is distributed throughout your body to reach its target site of action. Some medications are designed to work locally in the mouth, throat, or stomach, while others must be absorbed into the bloodstream to reach organs elsewhere in the body. For example, antacids work directly in the stomach, while blood pressure medications must enter the bloodstream to affect the cardiovascular system.

The effectiveness of oral medications depends heavily on how they are taken. Taking medications incorrectly can reduce their effectiveness, increase side effects, or even cause dangerous complications. Understanding the different types of oral medications and their proper administration is essential for safe and effective treatment. Always read the patient information leaflet (package insert) that comes with your medication, as it contains specific instructions for your particular drug.

Types of Oral Medications

Oral medications come in many different forms, each designed for specific purposes and patient needs. The formulation affects how quickly the drug works, how long its effects last, and how easy it is to take. Here are the main types of oral medications:

• Tablets: Solid compressed medications that come in various shapes, sizes, and coatings
• Capsules: Medications enclosed in a gelatin or vegetable-based shell
• Liquids: Solutions, suspensions, or syrups for those who cannot swallow solids
• Powders and granules: Medications that can be mixed with food or liquids
• Sublingual tablets: Medications placed under the tongue for rapid absorption
• Buccal preparations: Medications placed between the gum and cheek
• Medicated chewing gum: Medications released through chewing

How Oral Medications Work in Your Body

Understanding the journey of oral medications through your body helps explain why proper administration is so important. When you swallow a tablet or capsule, it travels down your esophagus to your stomach. Depending on the formulation, the medication may begin dissolving in the stomach or continue to the small intestine before breaking down. The active ingredients are then absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, a process called absorption.

Once in the bloodstream, the medication is transported to the liver through the portal vein, where it undergoes first-pass metabolism. This means some of the drug is broken down before it reaches the rest of your body. The remaining active drug is then distributed throughout your body to reach its target site. This entire process explains why oral medications typically take 15-60 minutes to start working, unlike injectable medications that work almost immediately.

How Should You Take Oral Medications Properly?

To take oral medications properly, sit or stand upright, drink a sip of water first to moisten your throat, place the medication on your tongue, then swallow with at least half a glass of water. Stay upright for at least 10 minutes afterward to ensure the medication reaches your stomach safely.

Proper technique for taking oral medications is crucial for both safety and effectiveness. Many people underestimate the importance of how they take their medications, but incorrect administration can lead to serious problems including esophageal damage, choking, or reduced drug effectiveness. The best position for taking oral medications is sitting upright or standing, as lying down significantly increases the risk of the medication becoming lodged in your throat or esophagus.

Water is the preferred liquid for taking most oral medications. You should always drink at least half a glass (4 ounces or 120ml) of water when swallowing tablets or capsules. Taking a small sip first to moisten your mouth and throat makes swallowing easier. The water serves multiple purposes: it helps the medication slide down your esophagus, prevents the tablet from sticking to your throat lining, and helps dissolve the medication once it reaches your stomach. Without adequate water, tablets can become lodged in your esophagus and cause painful irritation or even ulceration.

Some people find that thicker liquids like yogurt or applesauce make swallowing pills easier. This is particularly helpful for those with swallowing difficulties. However, certain medications should not be taken with dairy products or specific foods, as these can interfere with absorption. Always check your medication's package insert or ask your pharmacist about any food interactions. Some medications must be taken with plain water only.

After taking your medication, remain in an upright position for at least 10 minutes. This allows gravity to help the medication travel down to your stomach. Lying down immediately after taking medications, especially before bed, can cause the medication to remain in your esophagus, leading to irritation or damage to the esophageal lining.

Tips for Swallowing Pills Successfully

Many people struggle with swallowing pills, with research suggesting that up to 40% of adults experience some difficulty. If you find swallowing pills challenging, several techniques can help. The "pop-bottle method" works well for tablets: place the tablet on your tongue, close your lips tightly around the opening of a flexible plastic water bottle, and drink using a sucking motion while keeping the bottle collapsed. The sucking action carries the tablet down with the water.

For capsules, the "lean-forward method" often works better. Place the capsule on your tongue, take a sip of water, and tilt your chin slightly toward your chest as you swallow. Capsules tend to float, so tilting forward moves them to the back of your throat where they can be swallowed more easily. In contrast, dense tablets sink, so tilting your head slightly backward may help with those.

Using a Pill Organizer

If you take multiple medications at different times of day, a pill organizer (also called a dosette box or pill box) can be invaluable. These containers have separate compartments for each day of the week and often for different times of day. Filling your pill organizer once a week helps you keep track of your medications and quickly see whether you've taken your doses. This is particularly helpful for elderly patients or those with memory concerns.

However, some medications are sensitive to light or moisture and should not be stored in pill organizers. These medications must remain in their original packaging until you take them. Check your medication's instructions or ask your pharmacist whether your medications can be stored in a pill organizer. If you have difficulty filling your pill organizer yourself, a family member, caregiver, or pharmacist can help. Some pharmacies also offer blister-pack services where medications are pre-packaged by dose for each day.

What Are the Different Types of Tablets?

Tablets come in many forms including standard tablets for swallowing, extended-release tablets that release medication slowly, enteric-coated tablets protected from stomach acid, chewable tablets, dissolvable tablets, and sublingual tablets placed under the tongue. Each type has specific instructions for proper use.

Tablets are the most common form of oral medication, and understanding the different types is essential for taking them correctly. Standard tablets are designed to be swallowed whole with water and will dissolve in your stomach or intestine. These tablets may be round, oval, or other shapes, and may have a score line that allows them to be split if your dosage requires it. However, not all scored tablets should be split, so always confirm with your pharmacist first.

The way a tablet is manufactured significantly affects how it works in your body. Some tablets have special coatings or formulations that control how and where the medication is released. Taking these tablets incorrectly - such as crushing them or chewing them when you shouldn't - can cause the medication to work improperly or even cause harm. This is why it's crucial to read your medication instructions carefully and never alter how you take a tablet without consulting your healthcare provider.

Extended-Release and Sustained-Release Tablets

Extended-release tablets (also called sustained-release, controlled-release, or slow-release tablets) are specially formulated to release their medication gradually over an extended period. This provides a more consistent level of medication in your bloodstream and reduces the number of doses you need to take each day. You may see abbreviations like ER, SR, CR, XR, or XL on these medications.

These tablets contain a special matrix or coating that controls how quickly the medication dissolves. If you crush, break, or chew an extended-release tablet, you destroy this mechanism, causing the entire dose to be released at once. This "dose dumping" can lead to dangerously high drug levels in your blood, potentially causing severe side effects or even overdose. Extended-release tablets must always be swallowed whole. Some extended-release tablets have a score line that allows splitting, but the halves must still be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing.

Enteric-Coated Tablets

Enteric-coated tablets have a special coating that prevents them from dissolving in the acidic environment of the stomach. Instead, they pass through to the small intestine where the coating dissolves and the medication is released. This design serves several purposes: it protects medications that would be destroyed by stomach acid, prevents irritation of the stomach lining by certain drugs, and delivers medications to their optimal absorption site in the intestine.

Common medications with enteric coatings include certain pain relievers (like aspirin), proton pump inhibitors, and some antibiotics. If you crush or chew enteric-coated tablets, you destroy the protective coating. This can cause the medication to be broken down by stomach acid before it can work, or it may irritate your stomach lining. Always swallow enteric-coated tablets whole with plenty of water.

Chewable and Dissolvable Tablets

Chewable tablets are designed to be chewed before swallowing, which can make them easier to take for people who have difficulty swallowing pills. They are commonly used for antacids, children's medications, and certain vitamins. The medication is released as you chew, and the crushed tablet is then easier to swallow. Always follow the instructions for chewable tablets - some should be chewed thoroughly, while others only need to be partially chewed.

Dissolvable tablets (also called orally disintegrating tablets or ODTs) dissolve quickly on your tongue without water. They are particularly useful for people who have difficulty swallowing or don't have access to water. You simply place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. The medication is either absorbed through the oral mucosa or swallowed with saliva. These tablets are convenient but may have a distinct taste, as flavor-masking is challenging in this format.

Effervescent Tablets

Effervescent tablets are designed to be dissolved in water before drinking. When dropped in water, they fizz and bubble as they dissolve, creating a carbonated drink containing the medication. This format is often used for pain relievers, vitamin supplements, and certain cold medications. The advantages include rapid absorption and easier ingestion for those who dislike swallowing pills.

To use effervescent tablets correctly, drop the tablet into the specified amount of water (usually half a glass) and wait until it has completely dissolved and stopped fizzing before drinking. Drink the entire glass to ensure you receive the full dose. Do not swallow effervescent tablets whole, as the rapid gas release could cause discomfort or choking.

How Do Capsules Differ from Tablets?

Capsules consist of medication enclosed in a gelatin or vegetable-based shell, while tablets are compressed powder. Capsules may be easier to swallow, often dissolve faster, and can contain liquids or powders. Some capsules can be opened to mix with food, but others must be swallowed whole, especially extended-release formulations.

Capsules are another common form of oral medication, consisting of an outer shell that contains the medication inside. The shell is typically made from gelatin (animal-derived) or hypromellose (vegetable-derived, suitable for vegetarians). Capsules come in two main types: hard capsules with two pieces that fit together, and soft gel capsules (softgels) that contain liquid medication in a one-piece shell.

Many people find capsules easier to swallow than tablets because of their smooth, slippery coating. The elongated shape also helps them travel down the throat more easily. Capsules often dissolve faster than tablets in the stomach, which can mean quicker onset of action. However, capsules are generally more expensive to manufacture and may be more sensitive to humidity and temperature during storage.

Like tablets, capsules should be swallowed with at least half a glass of water. The water helps the capsule travel down your esophagus and prevents it from sticking. Because capsules float, you may find the lean-forward swallowing technique more effective - tilt your chin slightly toward your chest as you swallow to help move the capsule to the back of your throat.

Extended-Release and Enteric Capsules

Extended-release capsules (also called delayed-release or controlled-release capsules) work similarly to extended-release tablets. They may contain tiny pellets or beads inside that release medication slowly over time. Some of these capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled on soft food for people who cannot swallow them whole, but the pellets themselves should not be crushed or chewed.

Enteric capsules contain beads coated to resist stomach acid, similar to enteric tablets. These pass through the stomach intact and release their medication in the small intestine. Never crush or chew the contents of enteric capsules, as this destroys the protective coating and can cause stomach irritation or reduce the medication's effectiveness.

When Should You Use Liquid Medications?

Liquid medications are ideal for children, elderly patients, people with swallowing difficulties, and when precise dosing is needed. They include solutions (clear liquids), suspensions (cloudy liquids that need shaking), and syrups. Always use the measuring device provided and follow storage instructions carefully.

Liquid oral medications offer several advantages over solid forms. They are easier to swallow, can be more precisely dosed (especially important for children), and begin absorbing faster since they don't need to dissolve first. Liquid medications are often preferred for children, elderly patients, those with swallowing difficulties, and anyone with conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract that might impair tablet dissolution or absorption.

There are several types of liquid medications. Solutions are clear liquids where the medication is completely dissolved. Suspensions contain undissolved particles and appear cloudy - these must be shaken well before each use to ensure the medication is evenly distributed. Syrups are thick, sweet liquids often used to make medications more palatable, especially for children. Elixirs contain alcohol as a solvent and may not be suitable for all patients.

Measuring Liquid Medications Accurately

Accurate measurement is crucial when taking liquid medications. Household spoons vary significantly in size and should never be used to measure medication doses. Instead, always use the measuring device provided with your medication - this may be a dosing cup, dosing spoon, or oral syringe marked in milliliters. Pharmacies can also provide measuring devices if needed.

When using a dosing cup, place it on a flat surface and bend down to eye level to read the measurement at the bottom of the meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid). For oral syringes, draw up the liquid slowly to avoid air bubbles, then squirt the medication into the mouth toward the inside of the cheek. For children, an oral syringe is usually the most accurate method for small doses.

Oral Drops

Some liquid medications come in drop form, which allows for very precise dosing. Oral drops are more concentrated than other liquid forms, meaning a small volume contains the full dose. Always use the dropper that comes with the medication, as different droppers produce different-sized drops. Count the drops carefully or use the marked dropper to measure the correct amount. Drops can usually be mixed with water or juice for easier administration.

What Are Sublingual and Buccal Medications?

Sublingual medications are placed under the tongue, while buccal medications go between the gum and cheek. Both are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa, bypassing the digestive system. This allows for rapid action - typically within 1-5 minutes - making them ideal for emergency medications like nitroglycerin.

Sublingual and buccal medications represent a specialized category of oral administration where the medication is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth rather than being swallowed and processed through the digestive system. This route offers significant advantages for certain medications, including faster onset of action, avoidance of first-pass metabolism in the liver, and more predictable absorption.

The word "sublingual" means "under the tongue." Sublingual tablets or sprays are placed under the tongue where they dissolve and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the highly vascular tissue. Because the medication bypasses the digestive system and liver, it can reach therapeutic levels in the blood much faster - often within 1-5 minutes. This makes sublingual administration ideal for emergency medications like nitroglycerin for angina (chest pain).

Buccal medications work similarly but are placed between the gum and cheek (inside the cheek). The medication adheres to the mucosa and releases its active ingredients slowly over time. Some buccal tablets are designed to dissolve completely, while others remain in place for extended periods. You can eat and drink normally while using most buccal medications, though you should avoid disturbing the tablet's position.

How to Use Sublingual Medications

To take a sublingual medication, lift your tongue and place the tablet or spray under it. Then lower your tongue and hold it still. Allow the tablet to dissolve completely without chewing, swallowing, or talking. Avoid drinking or eating until the tablet has fully dissolved. The medication will be absorbed through the tissues under your tongue into your bloodstream.

If you accidentally swallow a sublingual tablet, it may still work but will take much longer to act as it must pass through your digestive system. For emergency medications like nitroglycerin, this delay could be significant. If you're unsure whether to take another dose after swallowing one accidentally, contact your healthcare provider.

How to Use Buccal Medications

Buccal tablets are placed between your upper gum and cheek. Once in position, the tablet becomes moist and sticky, adhering to the gum tissue. Do not chew or swallow the tablet - let it dissolve naturally where it is placed. Some buccal medications take 30 minutes or longer to dissolve completely. If you accidentally swallow a buccal tablet before it has dissolved, you may need to apply a replacement - consult your medication guide or pharmacist.

Buccal powder (sometimes called oromucosal powder) comes in small sachets that you empty under your upper lip. The powder should remain in place for about 30 minutes, during which you can move it around gently with your tongue. Avoid eating or drinking while the buccal powder is in your mouth, as this may reduce its effectiveness.

What Other Special Forms of Oral Medications Exist?

Special oral medication forms include powders and granules that mix with food or liquid, medicated chewing gums that release drugs through chewing, lozenges that dissolve slowly in the mouth, and oral films that dissolve on the tongue. Each has specific instructions for proper use.

Beyond the common tablets, capsules, and liquids, several specialized oral medication forms serve specific therapeutic purposes. These alternative formulations can make medication easier to take, provide targeted local effects, or offer unique delivery mechanisms.

Powders and Granules

Oral powders and granules contain medication in a dry, loose form that is typically mixed with liquid or food before taking. This format is useful when large doses are needed, when the medication has unpleasant taste properties that mixing helps mask, or for patients who cannot swallow solid forms. Common examples include certain laxatives, antacids, and vitamin supplements.

To take oral powders, measure the specified amount using the scoop provided, mix it thoroughly with the recommended liquid or food, and consume the entire mixture to ensure you receive the full dose. Some powders dissolve completely, while granules may remain visible - always drink additional water afterward to ensure all the medication reaches your stomach. Like tablets, some granules are extended-release and must be swallowed without chewing.

Medicated Chewing Gum

Medicated chewing gum releases its active ingredients through the chewing process. The medication is absorbed through the oral mucosa or swallowed with saliva. Common examples include nicotine gum for smoking cessation and fluoride gum for dental health. The chewing action is essential for releasing the medication - simply holding the gum in your mouth won't work.

When using medicated chewing gum, follow the specific chewing instructions carefully. For nicotine gum, for example, you should chew slowly until you notice a tingling sensation, then "park" the gum between your cheek and gum to allow absorption. Chewing continuously may cause too rapid release and side effects. Do not swallow medicated chewing gum, as this can reduce effectiveness and potentially cause digestive discomfort.

Lozenges and Troches

Lozenges are solid preparations designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth. They typically treat local conditions in the mouth and throat, such as sore throat or oral thrush (yeast infection). Some lozenges contain medications absorbed through the oral mucosa for systemic effects. Always let lozenges dissolve slowly rather than chewing or swallowing them whole, as this ensures the medication remains in contact with the affected area long enough to work.

Does It Matter When You Take Your Medications?

Yes, timing matters significantly for many medications. Some must be taken with food to prevent stomach upset or improve absorption, while others work best on an empty stomach. Medications taken multiple times daily should be evenly spaced. Taking medications at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood levels and makes it easier to remember.

The timing of medication administration can significantly affect both effectiveness and safety. Many patients underestimate the importance of following timing instructions, but taking medications at the wrong time can reduce their effectiveness, increase side effects, or cause dangerous interactions. Understanding why timing matters helps ensure you get the most benefit from your medications.

Some medications must be taken with food because food can protect your stomach lining from irritation, help the drug dissolve properly, or improve absorption. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, for example, are less likely to cause stomach upset when taken with food. Other medications are better absorbed when taken with a fatty meal.

Conversely, some medications must be taken on an empty stomach because food interferes with absorption. These medications are typically taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Certain antibiotics and thyroid medications fall into this category. Taking them with food can significantly reduce the amount of drug that reaches your bloodstream.

Taking Medications at Regular Intervals

For medications taken multiple times daily, even spacing is usually important. "Three times daily" typically means every 8 hours, not just three times while you're awake. This maintains consistent medication levels in your blood, which is crucial for effectiveness - especially for antibiotics where consistent levels are needed to kill bacteria effectively. If you take an antibiotic only during waking hours, levels may drop too low overnight, allowing bacteria to recover.

For medications taken once daily, taking them at the same time each day (such as every morning with breakfast) helps maintain consistent blood levels and makes it easier to remember. Link your medication taking to an established daily routine - when you brush your teeth, eat breakfast, or go to bed - to build a consistent habit.

Food and Medication Interactions

Certain foods can interact with specific medications. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect how your body processes many medications, potentially causing dangerous increases in drug levels. Dairy products can reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics. Foods high in vitamin K (like leafy greens) can interfere with blood-thinning medications. Always read your medication information and ask your pharmacist about any food interactions.

How Do You Give Oral Medications to Children?

Giving medications to children requires patience and appropriate techniques. Use liquid formulations or dissolvable tablets when possible. For liquids, use an oral syringe for accurate dosing. Make medication time positive, never force medications, and consider flavor-masking strategies. Always use pediatric formulations and dose according to weight, not age.

Administering medications to children presents unique challenges. Children may resist taking medications due to unpleasant taste, fear, or simply asserting independence. Understanding proper techniques and strategies can make medication time less stressful for both child and caregiver while ensuring the child receives the full benefit of the medication.

Liquid formulations are often preferred for young children because doses can be precisely adjusted for the child's weight and they're easier to swallow than pills. Always use the measuring device provided with the medication, and use weight-based dosing rather than age-based dosing when possible, as children of the same age can vary significantly in size. Never use household spoons for measuring children's medications.

For infants and young children, use an oral syringe to administer liquid medication. Place the syringe tip inside the cheek toward the back of the mouth and dispense slowly, giving the child time to swallow. Avoid squirting directly at the throat, which can cause gagging or choking. Allow the child to sit upright during and after administration.

Strategies for Reluctant Children

Many children resist medications due to taste. While manufacturers add flavors to mask unpleasant tastes, some medications still taste bitter or strange. Several strategies can help:

• Chill the medication: Cold dulls taste buds, making unpleasant tastes less noticeable
• Mix with food: Some medications can be mixed with a small amount of pudding, applesauce, or juice (check with pharmacist first)
• Use a straw: Drinking liquid medication through a straw placed at the back of the tongue can bypass taste buds
• Offer a reward: Following medication with a favorite drink or treat can help create positive associations
• Provide choices: Let the child choose the cup or decide whether to take medication before or after a meal (when medically appropriate)

If your child consistently refuses medications, speak with your healthcare provider. Alternative formulations may be available, such as dissolvable tablets, chewables, or even suppositories for essential medications. Never force medication into a child's mouth forcefully, as this can cause choking and creates negative associations that make future doses even harder.

What Should Elderly Patients Know About Oral Medications?

Elderly patients face unique medication challenges including swallowing difficulties, multiple medications (polypharmacy), age-related changes in drug metabolism, and memory concerns. Using pill organizers, setting alarms, maintaining medication lists, and having regular medication reviews with healthcare providers are essential strategies for safe medication use.

Older adults often take multiple medications and face age-related changes that affect how their bodies handle drugs. The kidneys and liver, which process and eliminate medications, typically become less efficient with age. This means medications may stay in the body longer and have stronger effects. Lower doses are often appropriate for elderly patients, and more careful monitoring may be needed.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) become more common with age due to weakened throat muscles, dry mouth, or neurological conditions. This can make taking tablets and capsules challenging or risky. If you have swallowing difficulties, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative formulations like liquids, dissolvable tablets, or patches. Never crush tablets without first confirming it's safe to do so.

Taking multiple medications (polypharmacy) increases the risk of drug interactions and side effects. Each additional medication adds complexity and potential for interactions. Regular medication reviews with a healthcare provider or pharmacist can help identify unnecessary medications, optimize doses, and check for interactions. Keep an up-to-date list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Memory Aids and Organization

Memory changes can make it difficult to remember whether medications have been taken or which pills to take when. Several strategies can help:

• Use a weekly pill organizer with compartments for each day and time
• Set daily alarms on a phone or medication reminder device
• Keep a medication diary recording when doses are taken
• Ask family members or caregivers to help with medication management
• Consider pharmacy services that provide pre-packaged medication doses

What Are Important Safety Tips for Oral Medications?

Medication safety essentials include: never share prescription medications, check expiration dates, store medications properly (away from heat and moisture), keep medications in original containers with labels, dispose of unused medications safely, and tell your healthcare providers about all medications you take including supplements.

Safe medication use involves more than just taking pills correctly. Proper storage, handling, and disposal of medications are all important aspects of medication safety. Following these guidelines helps ensure your medications work effectively and reduces the risk of accidental misuse or harm.

Proper Storage

Most oral medications should be stored at room temperature (between 59-77°F or 15-25°C), away from heat, light, and moisture. The bathroom medicine cabinet, despite its name, is often a poor choice because of humidity from showers. A bedroom drawer or kitchen cabinet away from the stove may be better locations. Some medications require refrigeration - always check the label and follow storage instructions.

Keep medications in their original containers with the labels intact. The label contains crucial information about the medication, dosing, and expiration date. If you use a pill organizer, keep the original containers nearby for reference. Store all medications out of reach of children and pets - consider using child-resistant caps and storing medications in a locked cabinet if children are in the home.

Checking Expiration Dates

Medications can degrade over time, becoming less effective or potentially harmful. Check expiration dates regularly and dispose of any expired medications. Never take medications past their expiration date, even if they appear unchanged. Liquid medications may become contaminated with bacteria after opening and should be used within the timeframe specified on the label - often 28 days to 3 months after opening.

Medication Disposal

Unused or expired medications should be disposed of properly to prevent accidental poisoning, drug abuse, and environmental contamination. Many pharmacies and hospitals offer medication take-back programs where you can safely dispose of unwanted medications. The FDA also maintains a list of medications that can be flushed down the toilet if no take-back option is available. For other medications, mixing them with coffee grounds or cat litter before throwing them away (in a sealed container) makes them less recognizable and less likely to be misused.