Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Determining the dosage
• Part 2 of 2: Swallowing the softgel
• Tips
• Warnings

Softgels are fast-acting, liquid-filled capsules. They come for vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter, or prescription drugs. Softgels are a popular choice of medications, mainly because they are easier to swallow than pills or capsules. When you take them, check the directions on the package and determine the correct dosage. Just take a sip of water and you will have swallowed your softgels in no time!

To step

Part 1 of 2: Determining the dosage

1. Read the instructions on the medicine packaging to find the dosage. Dosage will be based on age and symptoms and the packaging should indicate this in detail. Each agent provides different instructions based on the type of medication.
   • A typical dosage would be to take two softgels with water every four hours for adults and children 12 years of age or older.
   • Reading the package insert or directions on the package is especially important if you are taking substances that affect your day or night rhythm. You don't want to take a sleeping aid right before you start your workday!
2. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify your dosage. The prescription you received from your doctor or pharmacist, or the over-the-counter container, should include your dosage in the instructions. If not, or if you need clarification, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist. They can clarify how much and how often you should take the softgels.
3. Do not take more or less than indicated. You cannot break softgels as their content is liquid so never take more or less than stated. Taking more than prescribed can have various health effects (such as a possible overdose), depending on the medication. Taking less than indicated may prevent the drug from working properly.

Part 2 of 2: Swallowing the softgel

1. Take your softgels with or without food, based on your instructions. Most softgels should be taken with food, although it can get a bit messy. If the instructions tell you to take it with a meal, take the softgels with a meal or immediately afterward. If the instructions do not indicate this, you can take your softgels with water.
2. Take the correct number of pills from your jar of softgels. Flip off or open the lid and take out your softgels, usually about 1-2 at a time.
3. Put the softgels in your mouth, on your tongue. Softgels are very easy to swallow and dissolve, although they come in a variety of sizes. You can take them one at a time or take your entire dose in one sitting, depending on what you like.
4. Sip some water when you have the softgel in your mouth. You can also take a sip of water before taking the pill, in case your throat is dry.
5. Swallow both the pill and the water at the same time. The water will help the pill slide down your throat more easily.
   • Most of the instructions for taking the softgels state that you should drink water with your softgels to help with digestion. Unless your softgel instructions state otherwise, you can also take them with juice.
6. Swallow the softgels whole. Instead of crushing, chewing, or dissolving your softgels, swallow them with the coating intact, unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to take them otherwise. Softgels contain liquid and their outer layer is designed to dissolve in your stomach or small intestine.
   • If you crush, chew, or dissolve softgels when the intention is to slowly dissolve them in the body, they will not be properly absorbed into your system.

Tips

• Softgels are made to be easy to swallow. If you usually have trouble swallowing pills, don't worry too much about softgels. They may be easier to swallow than you think!

Warnings

• If you are taking softgels for medical purposes (instead of supplements) and your symptoms last longer than seven days, you should contact your doctor. You may need a stronger prescription or other medical treatment.
• Liquid softgels have a shorter shelf life than most other pills or capsules, so check the expiration date of your softgels carefully.