Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: thedoc on 14/08/2016 23:53:02

Title: Why do medicines have certain tastes?
Post by: thedoc on 14/08/2016 23:53:02

berenice pearcy asked the Naked Scientists:
   Can you please explain to me why a medicine's warning that its bitter and not to be chewed. Whereas I am taking this same medicine and I chew it and  it takes like chalk with a small hit of bitterness.

What do you think?

Title: Re: Why do medicines have certain tastes?
Post by: RD on 15/08/2016 00:25:34

Quote from: thedoc on 14/08/2016 23:53:02

Can you please explain to me why a medicine's warning that its bitter and not to be chewed...

Some tablets have a coating on them which slowly dissolves, to slowly release the drug (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_release_technology).
If you're chewing that type you'll get too much drug at once, (that type of tablet have the  warning not to chew).