The Correct Way to Consume Pastilles
The short answer is: it depends on the type of pastille you have. For medicinal pastilles designed to soothe a sore throat or deliver a specific dose over time, the correct method is to dissolve them slowly in your mouth. Chewing these can significantly reduce their effectiveness and, in some cases, can be harmful. However, confectionery pastilles, particularly the chewy, gelatin-based fruit varieties, are designed to be chewed and enjoyed. Understanding this key distinction is essential for getting the most out of your product, whether for therapeutic benefit or simple enjoyment.
Why Chewing Medicated Pastilles is a Bad Idea
Chewing a medicated pastille can have several negative consequences. These are not like traditional chewable tablets, which are formulated for rapid breakdown. The primary reasons to avoid chewing medicated pastilles include:
- Loss of Localized Effect: The slow dissolution of a pastille is what allows the active ingredients to coat and soothe the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat for an extended period. By chewing, you crush the pastille and swallow the active ingredients too quickly, bypassing this targeted delivery and reducing the soothing effect.
- Altered Absorption: For some drugs, chewing can lead to a faster-than-intended absorption into the bloodstream. This is particularly dangerous for controlled-release or extended-release medications, as a rapid dose can lead to toxicity or overdose. While most over-the-counter throat pastilles are not as hazardous, it is still best practice to follow the intended method of administration.
- Reduced Overall Efficacy: The formulation of a medicated pastille is engineered to release ingredients at a specific rate. By chewing, you disrupt this process, and the medication may not work as effectively as it was designed to.
- Unpleasant Taste: Many medicinal pastilles have been designed with flavorings to mask the taste of the active ingredients, but chewing can release a sudden and often unpleasant burst of bitter medicinal flavor.
The Science Behind Sucking for Maximum Benefit
The slow, steady action of dissolving a pastille allows for the most efficient and safest delivery of its active components. As the pastille melts, the medicinal substances are absorbed gradually through the mucous membranes lining the mouth and throat, or they provide a continuous coating to soothe irritation. For pharmaceutical pastilles, gelling agents like gum arabic or gelatin are used to ensure a slow disintegration rate. This mechanism is perfect for treating conditions such as minor throat irritations, coughs, and oral infections, providing sustained relief directly where it is needed.
Types of Pastilles: A Quick Guide
Not all pastilles are created equal. Distinguishing between them helps clarify how you should eat them:
- Medicated Pastilles (or Lozenges): These are typically firm and are meant to be dissolved slowly. They contain active ingredients like menthol, honey, antiseptics, or herbal extracts for soothing or therapeutic effects. Examples include Vocalzone or Grether's pastilles. You should suck these, not chew them.
- Confectionery Pastilles: These are often softer, chewier, and primarily contain gelatin or pectin, sugar, and flavorings. British Fruit Pastilles are a well-known example. These are meant to be chewed for texture and flavor.
Comparison Table: Chewing vs. Dissolving
| Feature | Chewing Pastilles | Dissolving Pastilles |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended For | Chewy, confectionery fruit pastilles. | Medicated throat pastilles and lozenges. |
| Intended Effect | Enjoyment of flavor and chewy texture. | Sustained, localized therapeutic action for the mouth and throat. |
| Active Ingredient Delivery | Rapid release and swallowing of ingredients. | Slow, gradual absorption of active compounds. |
| Primary Risk | Potential for tooth or denture damage with harder formulations. | Negligible, provided the user does not swallow whole (choking risk). |
| Absorption Rate | Can lead to a rapid spike in absorption, potentially unsafe for certain medications. | Slow and controlled, as intended by the manufacturer. |
| Dental Impact | Risk of tooth decay due to sugars coating teeth for prolonged periods. | Minimizes prolonged sugar exposure compared to chewing constantly. |
Steps for Proper Pastille Consumption
To ensure you are using your pastille correctly and safely, follow these simple steps:
- Identify the Type: Read the packaging to determine if it is a medicated pastille (often called a lozenge) or a chewy sweet. Medicated products will typically provide instructions to dissolve slowly.
- Place in Mouth: Put the pastille in your mouth and place it against the inside of your cheek or rest it on your tongue.
- Resist the Urge to Chew: For medicated versions, consciously avoid biting down on it. Let it begin to soften and dissolve on its own.
- Allow for Slow Dissolution: The pastille will slowly release its ingredients, coating your throat and providing relief over a longer period. For throat pastilles, this slow release is the most effective method.
- Avoid Drinking Immediately After: For medicated versions, try to avoid drinking water or other liquids for at least 15 minutes after the pastille has dissolved. This prevents washing away the active ingredients that are now coating your throat.
- Store Correctly: Store your pastilles in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting damp and dissolving prematurely.
What if I accidentally chew a medicated pastille?
If you accidentally chew and swallow one medicated pastille, there is generally no need to panic. For most over-the-counter varieties designed for sore throats, it will simply reduce the duration of the localized effect. The rapid release of ingredients from a single pastille is unlikely to cause a harmful overdose. However, as always, if you have any concerns or experience unexpected side effects, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. For those with a specific medical condition or who take prescription medication in pastille form, it is crucial to follow the prescribed method of use exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Conclusion
In summary, the consumption method for pastilles is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The key is to know your pastille. For medicinal formulations, slow dissolution is the gold standard for achieving the desired therapeutic effect, such as coating a sore throat or providing a controlled release of medication. Chewing these can render them less effective and potentially alter their intended action. Conversely, confectionery pastilles are designed for chewing and enjoying as a candy. Always read the packaging and err on the side of caution. If it's for your health, let it dissolve. If it's just a treat, feel free to chew away. For further information on oral medications, you can consult a reliable source such as the FDA's resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to chew fruit pastilles?
It is not bad to chew fruit pastilles, as they are designed as a chewy candy for enjoyment and do not contain active medicinal ingredients that require a slow release for therapeutic effect.
What is the difference between a pastille and a lozenge?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, traditionally, a pastille was a soft, molded, jelly-like confection, whereas a lozenge was a hard, compressed tablet. In modern usage, both are often meant to be dissolved slowly.
Do pastilles work if you chew them?
Medicated pastilles work less effectively if you chew them, as the rapid release of active ingredients prevents a prolonged, targeted effect in the mouth and throat. For confectionery pastilles, chewing is the intended method.
Can you swallow a medicated pastille whole?
Swallowing a medicated pastille whole is not recommended. It may pose a choking hazard and, more importantly, it will not deliver the active ingredients to the throat over a sustained period, rendering it largely ineffective for its intended purpose.
How long should a pastille last in my mouth?
The dissolution time varies by brand and formulation, but a medicated pastille is designed to dissolve slowly over several minutes, providing a lasting, soothing effect.
What are pastilles typically made of?
Pastilles are commonly made with a gelling agent such as gelatin or gum arabic, which provides their texture. Other ingredients include sugars or sugar substitutes, flavorings, and any active medicinal components.
Should I chew a cough drop like a pastille?
No, you should not chew a cough drop for the same reasons you shouldn't chew a medicated pastille. Letting it dissolve slowly maximizes the soothing effect on an irritated throat.
