Why should effervescent tablets not be swallowed or chewed?

Effervescent tablets are designed to dissolve in water, which activates the effervescent reaction that helps release the active ingredients in a way that can enhance absorption in the body. Swallowing or chewing these tablets negates this design, resulting in reduced efficacy and potentially diminishing the therapeutic effects. When effervescent tablets are placed in water, they produce carbonation, which can also aid in a more pleasant consumption experience and faster onset of the medication's action.

In contrast, the other options, while potentially relevant to different forms of medication, do not capture the central purpose of effervescent tablets. For example, while swallowing may raise concerns about choking, that's not the primary reason for the recommendation against swallowing them whole. Similarly, issues related to hardness or stomach upset don't specifically address the unique delivery mechanism provided by effervescent formulations. The main intent of effervescent tablets is to be dissolved in liquid for optimal performance and patient benefit.