Trouble Swallowing Pills? Here Are 6 Medications with Alternative Dosage Forms

Pills come in many different sizes, and that can make them challenging to swallow at times. It can be a particular struggle for children and older adults to take their medications orally. For these situations, it’s helpful to check out alternative dosage forms.

Below, we’ll discuss several of the alternatives to tablets and capsules that can make taking your medication easier and less stressful.

What dosage forms are available, and how do you decide which one to choose?

If you find swallowing pills to be difficult, you may have more options than you think. Many medications come in a few different dosage forms. Not every dosage form will be ideal for everyone. But here’s a quick guide to common types and when they may be a good fit:

• Dissolvables: These are tablets or powders that dissolve on or under the tongue. They’re great for quick relief or for those who can’t swallow pills.

• Liquids: Liquids are great for kids or adults who have trouble with swallowing. But be sure to check the ingredients as some liquids contain alcohol, sugar, or dyes.

• Chewable tablets: A chewable, flavored option is ideal for kids and adults alike.

• Suppositories: These are inserted rectally or vaginally for fast relief or localized treatment.

• Topicals: Creams, gels, and sprays can be used for local issues like pain or rash.

• Transdermals: Patches, gels, or sprays all deliver medication through the skin.

• Injections: These are useful for longer-acting doses or when other options aren’t appropriate.

• Implants: These are placed under the skin by a healthcare professional for long-term release (usually months).

• Nasal forms: Sprays or gels work well for local relief or faster onset.

Wondering if your medication comes in something other than a pill? Here are six medications with easier-to-take dosage forms.

1. Pain relievers and fever reducers like Tylenol

Everyone experiences pain from time to time. For mild-to-moderate pain, medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are effective over-the-counter (OTC) options. Both kids and adults can take them to reduce fever.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available in dosage forms beyond tablets and capsules, as detailed in the chart below.

These alternatives can make medications easier to take, but not all are interchangeable. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Dosage strength: Most liquids and chewables are made for children, meaning there may not be instructions for adult dosages on the label. The Tylenol Family suspension, however, is one exception. The dissolvable packs come in two doses: 500 mg (for ages 12 and older) and 160 mg (for under 12 years old).

• Splitting doses: Acetaminophen dissolvable packs are convenient for kids who resist liquids or chewables. But they can’t be split if your child needs a different dose.

• Taste and ingredients: Many children’s formulations include flavoring, dyes, or sweeteners. Some have dye-free or sugar-free options. If your child has allergies or sensitivities, be sure to check the product label.

• Specific situations: If your child is vomiting or refuses anything by mouth, rectal suppositories may be a useful backup for acetaminophen, especially during fever spikes.

2. Allergy medications like Benadryl

When spring rolls around, do you find yourself sneezing? OTC antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can help ease bothersome allergy symptoms. And if you’re not a fan of pills, you’re in luck — several antihistamines come in alternative forms such as liquids, chewables, and dissolvable tablets.

These dosage forms can be easier to take. But there are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing an antihistamine:

• Check for duplicates: Diphenhydramine is found in many nighttime combination products, such as Tylenol PM. Be careful not to double up on the same active ingredients.

• Ingredients: Some liquids contain sugars, dyes, or alcohol. Be sure to check the OTC label, especially if you or your loved one have sensitivities.

• Topical options: Diphenhydramine cream, gel, or spray can help with itching (caused by things such as bug bites or poison oak) without causing drowsiness.

• Age: Certain liquids are formulated with children in mind, but adults can also benefit from these options. Check the OTC label for directions for you or your child’s age range.

3. Migraine medications like triptans

Migraine headaches can be intense and debilitating. Migraine symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, can make it especially difficult to take and keep down medication in tablet form.

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• Alternative dosage forms: Suppositories may not be the most popular option. But when swallowing pills isn’t possible, they can be exactly the right choice.

Certain triptans — a common class of migraine medications — are available in alternative dosage forms that may be easier to take during an attack.

Each form has pros and cons to consider, including:

• Faster relief: Nasal sprays and injections typically work faster than tablets, so they may provide more rapid migraine relief.

• Ease of use: Nasal sprays, autoinjectors, and ODTs tend to be more user-friendly. Nasal powders, injection vials, and prefilled syringes require more steps to use.

• Side effects: Some forms may worsen nausea or cause throat discomfort. For example, nasal sprays can drip down the throat. Sumatriptan nasal powder can be a drip-free alternative.

• Allergies and sensitivities: Sumatriptan prefilled syringes contain latex. Some ODTs contain lactose or sucralose. These ingredients are common allergens.

• Cost: Many options are available as generics, but they may still cost more than tablets. Plus, they may not always be covered by insurance.

4. ADHD medications like Ritalin

Many children and adults take medications to help manage attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and an amphetamine salt combo (Adderall), are first-choice treatments.

If swallowing pills is a challenge, several stimulant ADHD medications are available in alternative dosage forms, including liquids, chewables, and patches.

Alternative dosage forms can be ideal for certain people, especially children. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Once-daily convenience: Many alternative dosage forms are extended release (ER, XR), meaning they only need to be taken once per day.

• Switching between forms: Adderall doesn’t come in non-pill dosage forms. But it’s possible to switch from Adderall to an equivalent dose of Adzenys XR-ODT.

• Easy removal: Patches like Daytrana and Xelstrym offer added flexibility. If an allergic reaction or serious side effects occur, the patch can be removed so you don’t absorb any more of the medication.

5. Hormones

Hormonal medications, such as estrogen and testosterone, are commonly used to manage menopause symptoms in women and low testosterone levels in men. They can also be a part of estrogen-based or testosterone-based gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender individuals.

If you can’t or prefer not to take pills, there are several options that may work better for your needs. And in some cases, they can help lower the risk of side effects or better target specific symptoms.

These alternatives can provide more flexibility or targeted symptom relief. But they may not be right for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Skin sensitivity and transfer risk: Transdermal gels, sprays, and solutions can transfer hormones to others through skin contact. Always follow instructions, including drying time and handwashing.

• Convenience vs. consistency: Injections and implants provide steady hormone levels but require the use of needles or visits to the clinic.

• Local vs. systemic effects: Most vaginal products treat local symptoms, such as vaginal dryness. Transdermal and injectable forms treat full-body symptoms, such as hot flashes.

• Dose flexibility: Implants (like testosterone pellets) last longer, but their doses are harder to adjust. Injections and transdermals may offer more flexibility.

• Allergies and ingredients: Some injections use sesame or castor oil, which may cause allergic reactions in some people.

• Cost: Many transdermal and injectable options have generics. Testosterone pellets and many vaginal forms are brand-name only.

6. Birth control

Many women use birth control for more than just pregnancy prevention. It can also help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce painful cramps, and treat acne.

Birth control pills are a well known and effective option. But they may not be ideal for everyone. In addition to having to swallow a tablet, you need to take them at the same time every day to be fully effective.

There are many pill-free alternatives that offer convenience without the need for daily use. Some of them can last weeks, months, or even years. Options range from intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants to vaginal rings, patches, and injections. There are even chewable options if you still want a pill, but don’t want to worry about swallowing it whole.

Here are a few considerations when deciding between birth control pill alternatives:

• Long-term options: IUDs and implants can last 3 to 10 years, depending on the product.

• Hormonal vs. nonhormonal: Most options use hormones to prevent pregnancy. But Paragard and Miudella are hormone-free copper IUDs.

• Side effects: Some forms may cause vaginal discomfort (e.g., IUDs and rings), menstrual changes, or weight gain.

• Dose flexibility: Birth control pills offer variable doses and can allow for different cycle options. Most non-pill forms come in a fixed dose, so you may not have as much flexibility.

• Accessibility: OTC birth control pills (Opill) are available, making them an accessible option. All pill-free alternatives require a prescription. Implants, injections, and IUDs require a medical visit for administration.

What are some other medications that have easier-to-take dosage forms?

Not all medications have a long list of alternative dosage forms to choose from. But in general, you can also find many of them in liquid form. Here are a few examples:

• Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

• Atorvastatin (Atorvaliq)

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

• Gabapentin (Neurontin)

• Levothyroxine (Tirosint-Sol)

• Loperamide (Imodium A-D)

• Metformin

• Prednisone (Prednisone Intensol)

What are my options if my medication only comes as a pill?

If your medication only comes in a pill and you’re unable to take it, you still have options. Your healthcare team can help find a solution that works for you. This may include:

• Modifying your medication. Your pharmacist can tell you if your oral medication can be crushed or opened and sprinkled onto soft foods to make it easier to take. Keep in mind this isn’t the case for all medications.

• Switching formulations. Your healthcare team may switch you to or recommend a different medication that has alternative dosage forms available.

• Trying a compounded medication. Your prescriber may have a pharmacy compound a custom dosage form for you. Compounded medications aren’t FDA approved. But they can be a helpful solution if there isn’t a commercial medication available to meet your needs.

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Written by:

Blake Travis, PharmD Candidate

Blake Travis, PharmD candidate, has more than 5 years of experience working in a pharmacy setting. Travis started as a pharmacy assistant at Safeway Pharmacy in 2016 and obtained his Pharmacy Technician Certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board in 2019.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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