Crushing tablets

A major news item here in the UK today centres on people who have difficulty swallowing medication. Particularly the elderly and stroke victims are susceptible to this. What carers tend to do, or they themselves, is to crush the tablets or empty capsules.

This is OK in the majority of cases, but don't do it if your pharmacist has printed the warning "Do not crush or chew". Many tablets have a so-called slow-release formulation, which means the active component is slowly released, over an extended period of time, as the tablet/capsule passes through the body. If it is chewed or crushed, the active component comes out in one dose. This can have serious side-effects, and/or leave the body without medication for a period of time. This too can have grave consequences.

Always inform your doctor that you have difficulty swallowing (or the person you care for). He can then prescribe something else, or a different form. Many medicines now come in a special liquid formulation.
Ask your pharmacist for advice if you want to crush a tablet.

As a rule, do not open capsules unless you've been told that that is safe. Many medicines are harmful if removed from their capsule, or will not work properly.