This topic is about dealing with the challenge of medication not dissolving properly for someone with an ileostomy. When you have an ileostomy, sometimes tablets can pass through your system without breaking down, which means your body doesn't absorb the medication as it should. Here are some practical tips to help ensure your medication dissolves and is absorbed effectively:

1. Break or crush non-coated tablets and mix them into applesauce. The acidity in applesauce helps break down the tablets, and the small pieces are easier to swallow.

2. Use acidic drinks like orange juice or soda to swallow your tablets. These drinks can help start the breakdown process while the tablets are still in your stomach.

3. Whenever possible, consult with your prescriber or pharmacist about:
- Liquid formulations, which offer the best absorption.
- Chewable tablets, which are the next best option.
- Tablets that can be safely split or crushed. Always confirm this first, as some medications may lose their effectiveness or have altered release when crushed.

4. Avoid or replace time-release, sustained-release, and enteric-coated products, as they often don't stay in the gut long enough for full absorption.

5. For critical medications like birth-control pills and anticonvulsants, oral intake may be unreliable with an ileostomy. Discuss injectable or non-oral alternatives with your physician.

6. Be mindful that orange juice can increase intestinal output for some people with an ileostomy. Monitor how your body responds when using it to help dissolve pills.