There's a somewhat related issue here which interests me a great deal, and it has to do with how you take food, drugs, and nutritional supplements: I don't think you should swallow these things whole; you should chew them up first, then swallow them, the same as you do with any ordinary food. There is some persuasive evidence that not all drugs and supplements in the form of tablets and capsules are always completely absorbed when swallowed whole.
CAUTION. There's one obvious exception to that general rule: if the drug or supplement you're taking is designed to be "time-release", then obviously you shouldn't chew it up first. Go ahead and swallow it whole. If you're not sure about it, check the label instructions, or call your pharmacist.