Many people struggle with gagging when they try to take medicine. Here are tips from pharmacists on getting pills down easier:

Practice with candy. Work on swallowing different sizes of candy, beginning with something as small as sprinkles and gradually moving to bigger types shaped like your pills.

Take a sip of water first. Especially if your mouth is dry, drink some water just before putting a pill in your mouth. Then take a few additional gulps to swallow.

Place pills in the center of your tongue. If you gag easily, try putting the pill on the tip of your tongue rather than further back in your mouth. If a pill is oval, make sure to point it length-wise toward your throat so you don’t swallow it sideways.

Don’t throw your head back. Instead, tilt it forward with your chin toward your chest. That motion should help move a pill to the back of your throat.

Try a straw … The suction created by a straw may help push a pill down your throat.

… or a soda. While cool water is generally the best choice, some people do better washing down medicine with a carbonated beverage.

Ask if you can eat. If your medicine doesn’t interact poorly with food — check with your doctor — chew up a bite and place the pill in your mouth right before you swallow.

Use relaxation techniques. Taking a deep breath just before taking a pill may suppress the gag reflex. You also can picture yourself swallowing it with no problem.

Don’t assume you can crush or chew. Some medications are timed-released, and getting a full dose at once may be harmful. Ask your doctor.