Does the ibuprofen chewable tablet have to be taken by chewing?
I had a fever and bought ibuprofen chewable tablets. However, I'm used to swallowing pills whole, and chewing them feels a bit uncomfortable. I was wondering, is it necessary to chew this medication before swallowing? Will swallowing it whole reduce its effectiveness?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, ibuprofen chewable tablets should be taken by chewing.
Ibuprofen chewable tablets belong to a class of medications known as antipyretic analgesics and are commonly used to relieve moderate pain such as toothache, headache, neuralgia, and muscle pain. They can also alleviate fever symptoms caused by the common cold or influenza. Chewing the tablets can accelerate drug absorption, allowing the medication to enter the bloodstream more quickly through the oral mucosa, thereby enabling faster onset of action. Additionally, chewing increases the drug's bioavailability by expanding the surface area exposed to digestive fluids, which facilitates dissolution and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Chewable tablets usually have an improved taste and are easier to swallow, making them particularly suitable for children, elderly individuals, or patients with difficulty swallowing. Taking ibuprofen chewable tablets without chewing may affect the speed and effectiveness of drug absorption, especially in situations requiring rapid pain or fever relief, where failure to chew could delay the onset of action. Therefore, it is recommended to chew ibuprofen chewable tablets when taking them.
When using any medication, it is important to follow the instructions provided in the drug's package insert and take the medication correctly to ensure its safety and efficacy.
