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got some meds from chemist. took the first couple and they cripple me with heartburn. so on the third i cracked the capsule open and put the contents on a spoon and took the meds that way with a sip of water.
is this ok ? surely the plastic like capsule is just a carrier for meds ?
Normally capsules are for quick release, tablets can be formulated for controlled release. So it shouldn't be an issue, but the best thing to do is give your pharmacy a quick ring to make sure. But don't miss a dose while you're waiting for an answer.
I'm guessing that there could be problems with the medicine bit not ending up where it should (mouth / throat) - depends on the medicine.
IANAD
Go back and ask the pharmacist
Most capsules are made of gelatin and are designed to be digested in the stomach (acidic) so that the contents are released in the small intestine (less acidic), where the contents are then absorbed into the blood. The potential issues with not using the capsule are that the active ingredients may not survive the acidity of the stomach, and the rate at which they absorb into the blood will likely be different - meaning that you either get spikes in blood concentration, or the blood concentration doesn't reach a therapeutic level - neither of which is good. As above, I'd ask your pharmacist or your doctor.
I believe you can but alternative capsules and transfer the contents. Vegans do this
Issue with the active ingredients being exposed to salivary enzymes they’re not designed to resist?
Also potentially exposing the powder to these for longer as it may line the mouth/oesophagus more and not 'mainline' into your stomach?
Just speculating - as many meds can be taken in liquid form, I strongly suspect the above aren't problems - but not 100% sure, TBH.
I think quite a few people also end up being prescribed antacids alongside other meds for this kind of reason (your side effects in the OP).
Hasten to add - I am not a doctor.