Which tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing?

Chewable tablets are specifically formulated to be chewed thoroughly before swallowing for proper absorption and effectiveness. These tablets contain a sweetening agent and flavoring to make them more palatable, and their design allows for easier breakdown in the mouth. Chewing ensures that the medication is dispersed properly in saliva, which can aid in its absorption in the digestive system. Additionally, some chewable tablets may contain ingredients that provide a faster onset of action when broken down before swallowing.

In contrast, effervescent tablets are designed to dissolve in water before being consumed, creating a fizzy solution. Buccal tablets are meant to be placed between the gum and cheek for absorption through the mucous membranes, and sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue, where they dissolve and enter the bloodstream quickly without the need for chewing. Therefore, chewable tablets are the appropriate choice that should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.