Why you should probably be taking your pills with tap water

Why you should probably be taking your pills with tap water reports that new research suggests the beverage used to take pills may affect the effectiveness of enteric-coated oral medications. The study led by Dr. Adrienn Demeter of Semmelweis University tested 22 common drinks and focused on seven, including mineral waters, tap water, filtered water, and apple juice. Researchers found that alkaline bottled waters with high mineral content produced the greatest changes to the pills’ protective coating, with deterioration beginning after as little as five minutes. After 15 to 30 minutes of soaking, more than 90% of the active ingredient had been released prematurely. More acidic beverages showed the opposite trend; apple juice caused almost no premature release at the start. The authors said most tablet formulations maintained coating integrity in tap water, and highlighted that this may matter for people who have difficulty swallowing pills or open capsules to mix contents into liquids or foods.