If you let an Advil gel capsule stay in your mouth for a few minutes, it may start to dissolve due to exposure to the moisture in your mouth. Advil gel capsules are designed to be swallowed whole, so allowing it to dissolve in your mouth is not the intended method of administration. Here's what might happen if you keep it in your mouth:
Bitter Taste: The contents of the gel capsule may start to leak out, resulting in a bitter taste in your mouth. Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil, can have a strong, unpleasant taste, which is why the gel capsule is designed to mask the taste when swallowed whole.
Localized Effects: Some of the ibuprofen may be absorbed through the oral mucosa and have localized effects in your mouth, but the majority of the medication is meant to be absorbed in the stomach and intestines after swallowing.
Delayed Onset: Allowing the Advil gel capsule to dissolve in your mouth may lead to a delay in the onset of the drug's action. When swallowed whole, the capsule dissolves in the stomach, and the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream more rapidly.
Incomplete Dosage: If you don't swallow the capsule, you may not receive the full intended dose of the medication.
To ensure you receive the proper therapeutic effect and minimize any potential side effects, it's best to take Advil gel capsules as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions on the packaging. Swallow the capsule with a glass of water without crushing or chewing it. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, you can talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explore alternative forms of the medication, such as liquid formulations or other dosage forms.