what happens if you chew a troche

Natashya

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26-12-2024

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What Happens If You Chew a Troche? A Guide to Lozenges and Their Use

Troches, also known as lozenges, are solid medications designed to dissolve slowly in your mouth. Chewing them, however, defeats their purpose and can have several undesirable consequences. This article will explain what happens if you chew a troche, why you shouldn't, and offer alternative ways to use them if you're having trouble.

Why Troches Are Designed to Dissolve Slowly

Troches are formulated for slow dissolution to provide prolonged and localized effects. The active ingredient is released gradually over time, offering sustained relief for conditions like sore throats or coughs. This slow release is crucial for their effectiveness.

What Happens When You Chew a Troche?

Chewing a troche will drastically alter its intended effect:

• Accelerated Release: Crushing or chewing the troche releases the medication all at once, resulting in a potentially intense, short-lived effect followed by a rapid decrease in its concentration. Instead of hours of relief, you might experience a brief, strong effect, then nothing.

• Altered Taste and Texture: The medicine might taste unpleasant or gritty when chewed. The troche’s base is designed to create a pleasant, smooth dissolving experience. Chewing disrupts this, potentially leaving a bitter or unpleasant aftertaste.

• Gastrointestinal Irritation: Some troche formulations can cause stomach upset if swallowed whole. Chewing them increases the likelihood of this side effect because the medication is released prematurely in your stomach.

• Ineffective Treatment: The primary reason not to chew a troche is that it compromises the treatment. The intended duration of action and the localized effect in the mouth and throat are lost. This means your sore throat or cough might not get the sustained relief it needs.

What to Do If You Have Trouble Dissolving a Troche

Some people find it difficult to dissolve troches. Here are some tips:

• Choose a Different Formulation: Explore alternative formulations like liquids, sprays, or tablets. These may be easier to manage than troches.

• Ensure Proper Hydration: Make sure you're drinking enough water to aid in dissolution. A dry mouth can slow down the dissolving process.

• Break It Into Smaller Pieces (With Caution): For larger troches, consider breaking them into smaller pieces before placing them in your mouth. However, be cautious not to crush them; just break them into smaller, easily dissolved portions.

• Consult Your Doctor or Pharmacist: If you continue to experience difficulty, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend an alternate method of medication delivery or suggest a different formulation better suited to your needs.

Conclusion

Chewing a troche negates its benefits, resulting in an ineffective and potentially unpleasant experience. It's crucial to allow the troche to dissolve slowly in your mouth to achieve the intended therapeutic effect. If you're struggling with dissolving your troche, consider the tips provided or seek advice from a healthcare professional. Remember, following the instructions is vital for effective treatment.