We all know that medicine is supposed to make us feel better, but sometimes it can also make us feel worse. Especially when it comes to the taste. Some medicines are so bitter, metallic, or chalky that they make us gag, cough, or even vomit. And that’s not fun at all.
But why do some medicines taste so bad? And what can we do to make them more palatable? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the awful taste of some common medicines, and rank them from bad to worse. We will also share some tips and tricks on how to take them without suffering too much.
Why Do Some Medicines Taste So Bad?
There are several factors that contribute to the taste of medicine, such as:
- The active ingredients. Some drugs have a naturally unpleasant taste, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and anti-seizure drugs. These drugs often contain chemicals that are bitter, sour, or metallic, which are detected by the taste buds on our tongue. These chemicals are also designed to be absorbed by the body quickly, which means they are not masked by other ingredients.
- The inactive ingredients. Some drugs have additives that are meant to improve their stability, solubility, or appearance, but they can also affect their taste. For example, some drugs have alcohol, sugar, or artificial sweeteners, which can make them taste too strong, too sweet, or too artificial. Some drugs also have preservatives, colorants, or flavorings, which can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some people.
- The dosage form. Some drugs come in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, or lozenges, which can have different effects on their taste. For example, tablets and capsules can be swallowed whole, which can reduce the exposure to the taste buds. However, some tablets and capsules can leave a residue or an aftertaste in the mouth, especially if they are large, hard, or coated. Liquids and syrups can be easier to swallow, but they can also be more concentrated and more exposed to the taste buds. Lozenges can be dissolved slowly in the mouth, which can help soothe a sore throat, but they can also linger longer and cause more irritation.
How to Make Bad Tasting Medicine More Tolerable?
There are some ways to make bad tasting medicine more tolerable, such as:
- Chilling or freezing the medicine. Some medicines can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, which can help reduce their taste and smell. However, this should only be done if the label or the pharmacist allows it, as some medicines can lose their effectiveness or become unsafe if they are exposed to low temperatures.
- Mixing the medicine with food or drink. Some medicines can be mixed with food or drink, such as yogurt, applesauce, juice, or milk, which can help mask their taste and texture. However, this should only be done if the label or the pharmacist allows it, as some medicines can interact with certain foods or drinks and affect their absorption or metabolism.
- Using a chaser or a palate cleanser. Some medicines can be followed by a chaser or a palate cleanser, such as water, soda, juice, or candy, which can help wash away the taste and refresh the mouth. However, this should only be done if the label or the pharmacist allows it, as some medicines can interact with certain liquids or sweets and affect their effectiveness or safety.
- Holding the breath or pinching the nose. Some medicines can be taken while holding the breath or pinching the nose, which can help reduce the sense of smell and taste. However, this should only be done for a short time and with caution, as it can cause dizziness or fainting if done for too long or too often.
- Using a straw or a spoon. Some medicines can be taken using a straw or a spoon, which can help direct the medicine to the back of the throat and avoid the tongue. However, this should only be done with care, as it can cause choking or aspiration if done incorrectly or too fast.
Top 10 Worst Tasting Medicine Ever
Now that we know why some medicines taste so bad and how to make them more tolerable, let’s rank them from bad to worse. Here are the top 10 worst tasting medicine ever, based on our research and personal experience.
10. Fish Oil Capsules
Fish oil capsules are a popular supplement that can provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart, brain, and skin. However, they can also cause a fishy taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and hard to get rid of. Some people also experience burping, bloating, or nausea after taking fish oil capsules, which can make the fishy taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the fishy taste and smell of fish oil capsules, you can try:
- Choosing a high
- quality fish oil capsule that has been purified and tested for freshness and purity.
- Taking the fish oil capsule with a meal that contains fat, which can help dissolve the capsule and reduce the fishy taste and smell.
- Refrigerating or freezing the fish oil capsule, which can help solidify the oil and prevent it from leaking or bursting in the mouth.
- Swallowing the fish oil capsule quickly and using a chaser or a palate cleanser, such as water, juice, or mint, which can help wash away the fishy taste and smell.
9. Iron Supplements
Iron supplements are a common treatment for iron deficiency anemia, which is a condition where the body does not have enough iron to make red blood cells. However, they can also cause a metallic taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and persistent. Some people also experience constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset after taking iron supplements, which can make the metallic taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the metallic taste and smell of iron supplements, you can try:
- Choosing a different form of iron supplement, such as liquid, chewable, or coated, which can have different effects on the taste and absorption of iron.
- Taking the iron supplement with food, especially foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, or broccoli, which can help enhance the absorption of iron and reduce the metallic taste and smell.
- Rinsing the mouth with water, mouthwash, or baking soda solution, which can help neutralize the metallic taste and smell.
- Brushing the teeth and tongue regularly, which can help remove any residue or coating from the iron supplement.
8. Cough Syrup
Cough syrup is a common remedy for cough, cold, and flu symptoms, such as sore throat, congestion, and fever. However, it can also cause a bitter, sweet, or artificial taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and overpowering. Some people also experience drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting after taking cough syrup, which can make the taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the taste and smell of cough syrup, you can try:
- Choosing a different flavor of cough syrup, such as cherry, grape, or honey, which can have different effects on the taste and preference of the user.
- Taking the cough syrup with a spoon or a syringe, which can help measure the correct dose and avoid spilling or dripping on the tongue.
- Chilling or freezing the cough syrup, which can help reduce the taste and smell and provide a cooling sensation for the throat.
- Using a chaser or a palate cleanser, such as water, juice, or candy, which can help wash away the taste and smell and soothe the throat.
7. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergies, such as hay fever, hives, or insect bites. However, they can also cause a bitter or sour taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and irritating. Some people also experience dry mouth, drowsiness, or headache after taking antihistamines, which can make the taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the taste and smell of antihistamines, you can try:
- Choosing a different form of antihistamine, such as liquid, chewable, or dissolvable, which can have different effects on the taste and absorption of the drug.
- Taking the antihistamine with food or drink, especially foods or drinks that are sweet, salty, or acidic, such as chocolate, cheese, or lemonade, which can help mask the taste and smell and stimulate the saliva production.
- Using a humidifier or a nasal spray, which can help moisten the mouth and nose and reduce the dryness and irritation caused by the antihistamine.
- Brushing the teeth and tongue regularly, which can help remove any residue or coating from the antihistamine.
6. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a common treatment for bacterial infections, such as strep throat, ear infection, or urinary tract infection. However, they can also cause a bitter, metallic, or sour taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and persistent. Some people also experience nausea, diarrhea, or yeast infection after taking antibiotics, which can make the taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the taste and smell of antibiotics, you can try:
- Choosing a different form of antibiotic, such as liquid, chewable, or coated, which can have different effects on the taste and absorption of the drug.
- Taking the antibiotic with food or drink, especially foods or drinks that are rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, or kombucha, which can help restore the balance of the gut flora and reduce the side effects of the antibiotic.
- Rinsing the mouth with water, mouthwash, or salt water, which can help neutralize the taste and smell and prevent oral thrush.
- Taking a zinc supplement, which can help improve the sense of taste and smell and reduce the bitterness caused by the antibiotic.
5. Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a common treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, they can also cause a bitter, metallic, or sour taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and discouraging. Some people also experience dry mouth, nausea, or weight gain after taking antidepressants, which can make the taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the taste and smell of antidepressants, you can try:
- Choosing a different type of antidepressant, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), which can have different effects on the taste and mood of the user.
- Taking the antidepressant with food or drink, especially foods or drinks that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, or flaxseeds, which can help boost the brain function and reduce the depression symptoms.
- Using a humidifier or a saliva substitute, which can help moisten the mouth and reduce the dryness and irritation caused by the antidepressant.
- Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, which can help stimulate the saliva production and refresh the mouth.
4. Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy drugs are a common treatment for cancer, which can help kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells. However, they can also cause a bitter, metallic, or sour taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and distressing. Some people also experience mouth sores, nausea, or hair loss after taking chemotherapy drugs, which can make the taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the taste and smell of chemotherapy drugs, you can try:
- Choosing a different type of chemotherapy drug, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy, which can have different effects on the taste and side effects of the treatment.
- Taking the chemotherapy drug with food or drink, especially foods or drinks that are bland, soft, or cold, such as rice, soup, or ice cream, which can help reduce the taste and smell and ease the stomach discomfort.
- Rinsing the mouth with water, mouthwash, or baking soda solution, which can help neutralize the taste and smell and heal the mouth sores.
- Taking a multivitamin supplement, which can help replenish the nutrients and minerals that are lost or depleted by the chemotherapy drug.
3. Liquid Potassium
Liquid potassium is a common supplement that can provide potassium, which is an essential mineral for the body. However, it can also cause a bitter, salty, or burning taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and painful. Some people also experience stomach upset, diarrhea, or irregular heartbeat after taking liquid potassium, which can make the taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the taste and smell of liquid potassium, you can try:
- Choosing a different form of potassium supplement, such as tablet, capsule, or powder, which can have different effects on the taste and absorption of the mineral.
- Taking the liquid potassium with food or drink, especially foods or drinks that are rich in potassium, such as bananas, potatoes, or orange juice, which can help balance the potassium levels and reduce the taste and smell.
- Diluting the liquid potassium with water, juice, or milk, which can help reduce the concentration and intensity of the taste and smell.
- Using a straw or a spoon, which can help direct the liquid potassium to the back of the throat and avoid the tongue.
2. Liquid Prednisone
Liquid prednisone is a common steroid that can treat inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. However, it can also cause a bitter, sour, or metallic taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and persistent. Some people also experience weight gain, mood swings, or insomnia after taking liquid prednisone, which can make the taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the taste and smell of liquid prednisone, you can try:
- Choosing a different form of prednisone, such as tablet, capsule, or injection, which can have different effects on the taste and side effects of the steroid.
- Taking the liquid prednisone with food or drink, especially foods or drinks that are rich in calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or milk,
which can help prevent the bone loss and stomach irritation caused by the liquid prednisone.
- Chilling or freezing the liquid prednisone, which can help reduce the taste and smell and provide a numbing effect for the mouth.
- Using a chaser or a palate cleanser, such as water, soda, or candy, which can help wash away the taste and smell and refresh the mouth.
1. Liquid Metronidazole
Liquid metronidazole is a common antibiotic that can treat bacterial and parasitic infections, such as dental abscess, giardiasis, or trichomoniasis. However, it can also cause a bitter, metallic, or rotten taste and smell in the mouth, which can be very unpleasant and nauseating. Some people also experience vomiting, diarrhea, or dark urine after taking liquid metronidazole, which can make the taste and smell even worse.
To avoid the taste and smell of liquid metronidazole, you can try:
- Choosing a different form of metronidazole, such as tablet, capsule, or gel, which can have different effects on the taste and absorption of the antibiotic.
- Taking the liquid metronidazole with food or drink, especially foods or drinks that are bland, soft, or cold, such as rice, soup, or ice cream, which can help reduce the taste and smell and ease the stomach discomfort.
- Diluting the liquid metronidazole with water, juice, or milk, which can help reduce the concentration and intensity of the taste and smell.
- Using a straw or a spoon, which can help direct the liquid metronidazole to the back of the throat and avoid the tongue.
Conclusion
Medicine is supposed to make us feel better, but sometimes it can also make us feel worse. Especially when it comes to the taste. Some medicines are so bitter, metallic, or chalky that they make us gag, cough, or even vomit. And that’s not fun at all.
But there are some ways to make bad tasting medicine more tolerable, such as chilling or freezing the medicine, mixing the medicine with food or drink, using a chaser or a palate cleanser, holding the breath or pinching the nose, or using a straw or a spoon. These tips and tricks can help mask the taste and smell of the medicine and make it easier to swallow.
However, these tips and tricks are not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or a pharmacist. Before taking any medicine, you should always read the label and follow the instructions carefully. You should also consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about the medicine, such as the dosage, the side effects, or the interactions. They can help you find the best medicine and the best way to take it for your condition.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about the reasons behind the awful taste of some common medicines, and how to make them more palatable. We also hope you have enjoyed reading our ranking of the top 10 worst tasting medicine ever, based on our research and personal experience. Do you agree with our ranking? Do you have any other medicines that you think deserve to be on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most asked questions and answers about the taste of medicine, based on our research and experience.
Q: Why do some medicines taste worse than others?
A: Some medicines taste worse than others because of the active ingredients, the inactive ingredients, or the dosage form. Some drugs have a naturally unpleasant taste, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and anti-seizure drugs. These drugs often contain chemicals that are bitter, sour, or metallic, which are detected by the taste buds on our tongue. Some drugs also have additives that are meant to improve their stability, solubility, or appearance, but they can also affect their taste. For example, some drugs have alcohol, sugar, or artificial sweeteners, which can make them taste too strong, too sweet, or too artificial. Some drugs also have preservatives, colorants, or flavorings, which can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some people. Some drugs also come in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, or lozenges, which can have different effects on their taste and texture.
Q: How can I tell if a medicine is safe to take if it tastes bad?
A: You can tell if a medicine is safe to take if it tastes bad by checking the label and the expiration date. The label should have the name, the strength, the dosage, the directions, the warnings, and the ingredients of the medicine. You should always read the label and follow the instructions carefully before taking any medicine. You should also check the expiration date, which is usually printed on the bottle, the box, or the blister pack. You should never take any medicine that is past its expiration date, as it may lose its effectiveness or become unsafe. If you are not sure if a medicine is safe to take, you should always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Q: Can I crush, chew, or break a tablet or a capsule if it tastes bad?
A: You can crush, chew, or break a tablet or a capsule if it tastes bad only if the label or the pharmacist allows it. Some tablets and capsules are designed to be swallowed whole, as they have a special coating, a slow-release mechanism, or an enteric protection. These features are meant to protect the medicine from the stomach acid, to deliver the medicine to a specific part of the body, or to prevent the medicine from irritating the stomach lining. If you crush, chew, or break these tablets or capsules, you may destroy these features and affect the effectiveness or safety of the medicine. You may also increase the exposure to the taste buds and make the taste worse. Therefore, you should always check the label or ask the pharmacist before crushing, chewing, or breaking any tablet or capsule.
Q: Can I mix a liquid medicine with food or drink if it tastes bad?
A: You can mix a liquid medicine with food or drink if it tastes bad only if the label or the pharmacist allows it. Some liquid medicines can be mixed with food or drink, such as yogurt, applesauce, juice, or milk, which can help mask the taste and texture of the medicine. However, some liquid medicines can interact with certain foods or drinks and affect their absorption or metabolism. For example, some liquid medicines can bind with calcium, iron, or magnesium, which are found in dairy products, cereals, or supplements, and reduce their effectiveness. Some liquid medicines can also react with alcohol, grapefruit juice, or caffeine, which are found in beer, wine, soda, or coffee, and cause adverse effects. Therefore, you should always check the label or ask the pharmacist before mixing any liquid medicine with food or drink.
Q: Can I store a medicine in the refrigerator or freezer if it tastes bad?
A: You can store a medicine in the refrigerator or freezer if it tastes bad only if the label or the pharmacist allows it. Some medicines can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, which can help reduce their taste and smell. However, some medicines can lose their effectiveness or become unsafe if they are exposed to low temperatures. For example, some medicines can crystallize, separate, or change color if they are frozen, which can affect their quality and potency. Some medicines can also become contaminated or spoiled if they are stored in the refrigerator, which can cause infections or poisoning. Therefore, you should always check the label or ask the pharmacist before storing any medicine in the refrigerator or freezer.
Q: Can I take a medicine with a chaser or a palate cleanser if it tastes bad?
A: You can take a medicine with a chaser or a palate cleanser if it tastes bad only if the label or the pharmacist allows it. Some medicines can be followed by a chaser or a palate cleanser, such as water, soda, juice, or candy, which can help wash away the taste and refresh the mouth. However, some medicines can interact with certain liquids or sweets and affect their effectiveness or safety. For example, some medicines can dissolve faster or slower if they are taken with water, soda, or juice, which can affect their onset or duration of action. Some medicines can also increase or decrease the blood sugar levels if they are taken with candy, which can affect the diabetes control. Therefore, you should always check the label or ask the pharmacist before taking any medicine with a chaser or a palate cleanser.
Q: Can I hold my breath or pinch my nose if a medicine tastes bad?
A: You can hold your breath or pinch your nose if a medicine tastes bad only for a short time and with caution. Holding your breath or pinching your nose can help reduce the sense of smell and taste, which can make the medicine more tolerable. However, holding your breath or pinching your nose for too long or too often can cause dizziness or fainting, which can be dangerous. Therefore, you should only hold your breath or pinch your nose for a few seconds and breathe normally afterwards. You should also avoid doing this if you have any medical conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease.
Q: Can I use a straw or a spoon if a medicine tastes bad?
A: You can use a straw or a spoon if a medicine tastes bad with care. Using a straw or a spoon can help direct the medicine to the back of the throat and avoid the tongue, which can reduce the exposure to the taste buds. However, using a straw or a spoon can also cause choking or aspiration, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, you should only use a straw or a spoon if you are comfortable and confident with swallowing the medicine. You should also avoid using a straw or a spoon if you have