My medication tastes bad - what can I do?

Here are some tips for masking a bad taste:

• Place the medication in a small amount of food. If the medication is a tablet that cannot be crushed (e.g., extended-release tablets), make sure you swallow the food without chewing. Do not do this if your doctor or pharmacist has told you that the medication must not be taken with food. If you are unsure whether your medication can be taken with food, check with your doctor or pharmacist, or check the label on the bottle or information sheet from the pharmacy.
• For liquid medications, combine it with a small amount of a better-tasting liquids, such as juice or milk. Do not do this if your doctor or pharmacist has told you that the medication must not be taken with juice or milk.
• Get a large glass of water ready. Hold your nose, place the medication on the back of your tongue, and then swallow the medication with some water. Use the rest of the water to rinse out your mouth, and then unplug your nose. This works for all kinds of medications, including those that must not be taken with food.
• Try sucking on an ice cube to numb your mouth before taking the medication.