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Swallowed A Large Antibiotic The Wrong Way. Should I Be Concerned?

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Posted on Sat, 3 Nov 2012
Question: I swallowed a rather large antibiotic yesterday morning and it seemed to go down the wrong way.. is this possible and is there anything to be concerned about. I can breathe normally and there was no choking - just felt as though it wasn't going down the right way
doctor
Answered by Dr. Charles S Narasi (43 minutes later)
Hello, XXXXXXX
I am glad to hear that you are able to breath O.K. and not
choking.
Some of the large pills such as Erythromycin family or
Ciprofloxin family can cause problems if you don't have
enough fluid with it.
If you have had intermittent problems with swallowing
especially solids , we will have to look for causes.
You might have a hiatus hernia, and certain abnormal
flaps in the esphagus called "Rings" which can cause
blockage temporarily.
If that is the case, you should undergo an esophagram
or x-ray study of your esphagus and stomach. This will
show any abnormal narrowing or hiatus hernia as I
mentioned earlier.
Just the slight irritation caused by the pill can persist
for 1-2 days. Make sure you drink fluids slowly and also
keep your chin up during taking tablets or chin down
when you take capsules.
Wish you well.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Charles S Narasi

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1962

Answered : 693 Questions

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Swallowed A Large Antibiotic The Wrong Way. Should I Be Concerned?

Hello, XXXXXXX
I am glad to hear that you are able to breath O.K. and not
choking.
Some of the large pills such as Erythromycin family or
Ciprofloxin family can cause problems if you don't have
enough fluid with it.
If you have had intermittent problems with swallowing
especially solids , we will have to look for causes.
You might have a hiatus hernia, and certain abnormal
flaps in the esphagus called "Rings" which can cause
blockage temporarily.
If that is the case, you should undergo an esophagram
or x-ray study of your esphagus and stomach. This will
show any abnormal narrowing or hiatus hernia as I
mentioned earlier.
Just the slight irritation caused by the pill can persist
for 1-2 days. Make sure you drink fluids slowly and also
keep your chin up during taking tablets or chin down
when you take capsules.
Wish you well.