If you or someone you care for struggles with swallowing tablets or capsules, we know how frustrating and stressful it can be. You want to make sure that medications are taken safely and without discomfort, but sometimes that feels easier said than done.
You may have even considered crushing tablets or opening capsules to make them easier to take. While this might seem like a simple solution, it can actually cause more harm than good.
Every medication is carefully designed to work in a specific way in your body. Altering them can cause unintended effects, from reducing their effectiveness to creating potential health risks. But what could go wrong? Here’s what.
Some medications are designed to release their active ingredients slowly over time so that the body can absorb them at a steady rate. When you crush these types of medications, the entire dose is released at once, overwhelming your system. This can lead to increased side effects, a stronger-than-intended impact, and, in some cases, an overdose.
Instead of providing gradual relief, the medication could hit your body all at once, making it both less effective in the long run and more dangerous in the short term.
Many tablets have special coatings designed to protect your stomach or ensure that the medication is absorbed in the right part of your digestive system.
Crushing these medications removes that protection, which can lead to irritation, nausea, or even damage to your stomach lining. It can also mean that your body doesn’t absorb the medication as effectively, reducing its benefits. In some cases, this can result in the medication passing through your system without providing the relief or treatment you need.
Some medications contain substances that should not be inhaled or come into direct contact with your skin. Crushing these medications can create fine particles that disperse into the air, putting not only the person taking the medication at risk but also caregivers, family members, and healthcare workers who may breathe them in.
Long-term exposure to certain medications can have serious health implications, so it’s crucial to avoid altering them unless directed by a healthcare professional.
There’s a reason some medications come in coated tablets or capsules—they are designed to bypass your taste buds.
Many medications are extremely bitter or have an unpleasant texture, and crushing them can make them almost unbearable to take. In addition to the unpleasant taste, some medications can cause irritation to your mouth and throat if they are not taken as intended. This can make medication adherence more difficult, leading to missed doses or incomplete treatment.
For those working in aged care, disability support, or hospitals, ensuring patients take their medications safely is a top priority. But we also know that you’re balancing a lot—juggling care tasks while making sure every person’s needs are met with compassion and dignity.
However, in high-pressure environments, where time is limited and multiple patients require assistance, it can be tempting to look for quick solutions—like crushing tablets or opening capsules—to make medication administration easier. While well-intentioned, these actions can carry serious consequences.
According to The Nursing Times, crushing medications without explicit approval from a prescribing doctor or pharmacist can have legal and professional repercussions.
The Medicines Act 1968 states that prescription medications must be administered as directed. Changing the form of a medication without authorization can be considered unauthorized practice, leaving caregivers legally liable if any harm occurs to the patient. Additionally, manufacturers do not assume liability if a medication is crushed or opened against guidelines, meaning the responsibility falls solely on the administering party.
Before you consider altering a medication, always check with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. Some common medications that should not be crushed include:
A comprehensive list of medications that should not be crushed can be found through professional pharmacy resources.
If swallowing tablets or capsules is challenging, consider the following alternatives:
Products like Gloup® are specifically designed to make swallowing tablets and capsules easier without altering the medication.
Gloup® is a natural lubricating gel that coats the tablet, helping it glide smoothly down the throat. Unlike food or drinks, which can interfere with medication absorption, Gloup® breaks down immediately upon reaching the stomach, ensuring the medication is delivered as intended.
Photo courtesy: Gloup® website
Before making any changes to medication intake, speak with a healthcare provider to explore safe and effective solutions.
Crushing tablets or opening capsules may seem like an easy fix for swallowing difficulties, but it can pose serious health risks and safety concerns. Instead of risking complications, choose a safer, more comfortable way to take medication. Gloup® ensures ease of swallowing without interfering with how medications work. Shop now at Platinum Health Supply.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Platinum Health Supply is not a clinic or hospital. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
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