British scientists are testing a "smart" pill which they claim will send a text message to the mobile phone of the patients to alert if they forget to take the next dose in time.

According to health experts, the low-cost pill fitted with a microchip sends signals to a patch attached to the patient's shoulder when swallowed.

The technology in the patch monitors when the pills are swallowed and can send a text if the patient forgets to take medication, they said.

The system, known as Raisin, also monitors heart rate, heart activity and how well the patient is sleeping -- all of which may signal a deteriorating condition, the Daily Mail reported.

The chips, developed by California-based company Proteus Biomedical, are tiny, digestible sensors made from food ingredients which are activated by stomach fluids after swallowing.

Once activated, the sensor sends a low-power digital signal through the body to a receiver that is either an patch or tiny device inserted under the skin.

The device decodes and records the information, and transmits information to mobile, telling the patient when the next dose is due, the report said.

The pill, which was initially tested in the US, improved the rate patients consistently taking their medication from 30 per cent to 80 per cent.

Now, health officials in Britain have recruited about 40 volunteers to take standard versions of their heart pill fitted with a microchip.

If successful, the four-month trial being run by Imperial College Healthcare and the Royal Berkshire Hospital could lead to a year-long trial.

Nicholas Peters, professor of cardiology at Imperial College Healthcare, said the main aim was to encourage heart patients to be regular about dosage.

"The concept behind the technology is that the information belongs to the patient, who will be able to see the benefits of their medication in a number of measures," Prof Peters was quoted as saying.

"It will encourage patients to take responsibility for their own health."

According to scientists the new technology will help develop a stricter medication regime among patients which in turn will decline their chances of being admitted to hospitals in an emergency.

In the trial, the patches will allow doctors to check whether patients have taken their pills, track the heart rate and determine whether they are frequently sitting up at night.

Dr Charlie McKenna, of the Royal Berkshire, said: "I think it's very exciting. This approach has large potential to help with compliance.