What Happens If You Chew a Troche?
Troches, also known as lozenges, are solid medications designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Chewing them, however, defeats their intended purpose and can have several consequences. Let's explore what happens when you deviate from the recommended method of use.
What are Troches Designed to Do?
Before we delve into the consequences of chewing, it's crucial to understand the design and function of troches. They're formulated to deliver medication directly to the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. This method allows for slow and sustained release of the active ingredient, providing localized relief and potentially reducing systemic side effects compared to swallowing a tablet or capsule. The slow dissolution ensures a prolonged therapeutic effect.
What Happens If You Chew a Troche?
Chewing a troche significantly alters its intended action:
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Accelerated Release: By breaking down the troche mechanically, you drastically speed up the release of the medication. Instead of a gradual release over time, you get a potentially overwhelming dose all at once. This can lead to localized irritation or even gastrointestinal upset if swallowed too quickly.
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Altered Absorption: Chewing changes the surface area available for absorption. The active ingredient is designed to dissolve and be absorbed slowly through the mucous membranes. Chewing creates a smaller particle size, which can potentially alter the absorption rate and even affect the bioavailability (the amount of medication your body actually absorbs).
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Taste and Texture Alteration: Troches are often formulated with flavorings to mask the taste of the active ingredient. Chewing can release these flavorings more rapidly, possibly leading to an unpleasant, overwhelmingly strong taste. The texture may also change, becoming unpleasantly gritty or pasty.
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Loss of Therapeutic Effect: The controlled release is a key feature of troches. Chewing disrupts this, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of the medication and requiring a larger dose to achieve the desired result. You might not get the sustained relief intended by the manufacturer.
Can Chewing a Troche Cause Harm?
The degree of harm depends on the specific medication in the troche and the individual's sensitivity. While generally not life-threatening, potential side effects include:
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Gastrointestinal upset: If swallowed after chewing, the sudden concentrated release of medication can cause nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
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Mouth irritation: Chewing can create sharp edges or fragments that irritate the delicate mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
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Allergic reactions: In rare cases, chewing might increase the risk of an allergic reaction, especially if you are sensitive to certain excipients (inactive ingredients) in the troche.
What if I Accidentally Chew a Troche?
If you accidentally chew a troche, don't panic. Most likely, you won't experience any serious side effects. Simply try to let the remaining pieces dissolve in your mouth as usual. If you experience any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Are there specific troches that are safer to chew than others?
There aren't generally any troches that are considered safe to chew. The intended method of use is always dissolution in the mouth. If you have concerns about a specific troche, always consult the product label or your pharmacist.
In conclusion, always follow the instructions on the troche packaging. Chewing a troche is not recommended and can alter its therapeutic effect and even cause unwanted side effects. For optimal results and to avoid any potential complications, allow the troche to dissolve slowly in your mouth.
