A recent nationwide study verified that 40% of adults have a challenging time trying to swallow pills. So if you struggle taking your daily dose— you’re not alone. And the solution most used is crushing pills or opening capsules. This practice changes how the dosage is ingested in your body. This can be very unwise—even dangerous. Medicines should not be crushed, cut up or opened unless there are instructions to do so. It’s best to discuss your difficulty swallowing meds with the prescribing doctor. Ask if the drug comes in a liquid form.
Drug you should NEVER alter:
- Time-released—which slowly release the medicine over time
- Coated tablets—which protect your stomach from irritation
- Sugar-coated – to cover strong taste
- Under-the-tongue, gum or cheek—delivers the medication very quickly
- Effervescent—dissolved in water; crushing destroys effectiveness
- Hormone or Anticancer—can become toxic to skin or if breathed
~Journal of Pharmacy Practice & Research
