[Pseudoscience-is-malarkey (OP)]

I googled this question and got so many different answers. But is it probable that it's just another one of those things our grandparents told our parents? (you know, like "don't swim after eating", "candy gives you nightmares", "condoms only sometimes work", etc.). I want a good ol' fashion cynical British opinion on this particular issue.

[Bored chemist]

It depends on the pills.
Follow the instructions on the leaflet or from the pharmacist/  doctor.

[Pseudoscience-is-malarkey (OP)]

It depends on the pills.
Follow the instructions on the leaflet or from the pharmacist/  doctor.

It is because certain pills dissolve easier than others?

[Bored chemist]

It depends on the pills.
Follow the instructions on the leaflet or from the pharmacist/  doctor.

It is because certain pills dissolve easier than others?

That's one possible reason.
Another is that some medicines are irritant to the stomach.
Some swell as they absorb water and risk causing a blockage.

Million dollar question: Do you want to find out why you should follow the instructions, by not following them?

[Pseudoscience-is-malarkey (OP)]

Million dollar question: Do you want to find out why you should follow the instructions, by not following them?

No need to get angry, I was just asking a question. When I take medication I always drink a full glass. It's just hard sometimes when i'm 100% hydrated.

[PamelaParker]

It's depends on the medicine. Some need to intake more water when you take the pills, some need little water to take it in.

[Karen W.]

Well how does that work when you are on 38 medications and 35 are instructing a full 8 ounce glass of water? When I was in the deepest part of my last 15 years or so being sick I was on 38 meds a day....I just assumed a single glass for all would suffice... Was that wrong?

[Bored chemist]

I assume that a glass of water would do for the set of pills you take at any one time.
There is a potential complication where some pills shouldn't be taken together; and also some should be taken with food and others on an empty stomach.

I think 35 lots of 8 oz is about 8 litres which is probably more water than is healthy for most people.
(Not to mention the fact that you wouldn't have much chance to leave the bathroom)

[syhprum]

There is some sense in not swimming after a good meal if the meal includes alcohol
 

[Karen W.]

I assume that a glass of water would do for the set of pills you take at any one time.
There is a potential complication where some pills shouldn't be taken together; and also some should be taken with food and others on an empty stomach.

I think 35 lots of 8 oz is about 8 litres which is probably more water than is healthy for most people.
(Not to mention the fact that you wouldn't have much chance to leave the bathroom)

Yes, you make a point! I do recall that two were taken morning an hour or two before the first meal.. then 4 taken at night, back then. The rest were taken with my breakfast.

[Karen W.]

There is some sense in not swimming after a good meal if the meal includes alcohol
 

Lol. Indeedy! Never feared that one. I'm not a drinker. Lol