Water is the best beverage you can take your pills with because it does not interfere with the quality of the medication and does not inhibit drug metabolism nor does it interfere with its quick absorption in the body. Other beverages like soft drinks or aerated beverages, coffee or tea, alcohol can often cause some drug interactions or allergies in the case of few patients. While milk is safe to be consumed with calcium or vitamin D tablets, it may not be as safe with all other medication. But should you be taking medicines with chilled or lukewarm water? Dr Rajni Pathak, Co-ordinator Preventive Health Check, Fortis Hospital Mohali tells us more about how the right temperature of the water is important while swallowing medicines.

Water basically acts as a medium of transport for your medicines. It prevents choking and also improves absorption of the drugs in your stomach and intestine.

The water should ideally be at room temperature. In case of a cough and throat infections, it is advised to take the medicine with lukewarm water. The temperature of water soothes the throat and even speeds the dissolving process. In fact, throat infection and cold medicines don’t react adversely to the temperature of water. Also, the right technique of swallowing pills is to drink a few sips of water before taking the medicine so that your throat is not very dry and the tablets can be swallowed with ease.

Avoid consuming capsules with hot water as it causes the coating of the capsules to melt in the mouth or at the initial stage. Capsules must always be taken with water at room temperature. However, if you are taking paracetamol and suffering from cold or fever, you can swallow it with hot water as paracetamol dissolves faster in hot water and hence can be absorbed at a faster rate.

Along with the right temperature of water, it is important that you take the right amount of water along with your medication. Here’s expert advice on how much water you must take with your medication.