Swallowing pills (problems)
Crushing tablets or opening capsules
You can ask your GP or pharmacist if your tablets can be crushed, or your capsules opened and dispersed in water, before taking them. Only certain tablets or capsules can be given this way.
The following preparations should never be crushed without seeking professional advice first:
- CR or CRT (controlled release, or controlled release tablet)
- LA (long-acting)
- SR (sustained release)
- TR (time release)
- TD (time delay)
- SA (sustained action)
- XL (extended release)
These medications are designed to be released over a predetermined period of timefor example, 12-24 hours.
Generally, when crushing a tablet or opening a capsule, the dose is released over 5-10 minutes, resulting in an initial overdose (and a higher chance of side effects), followed by a period without medication.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
If you or someone you care for struggles to swallow pills, you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Finding an alternative form
If you or the person you care forfinds it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules, you can ask your GP or pharmacistif there's an alternative form of the medicine. TheSwallowing Difficulties websitea
Crushing tablets or opening capsules
You can ask your GP or pharmacist if your tablets can be crushed, or your capsules opened and dispersed in water, before taking them. Only certain tablets or capsules can be given this way. The follow
Legal issues
Anurse or carer of someone withdysphagia shouldn't alter the form of a medicine by crushing or opening it, unless they've been instructed to do so by a doctor. If you crush or open the medicine to giv
10 tips for swallowing pills
1. Moisten your mouth with saliva or water beforehand (a dry mouth makes swallowing harder). 2. Place the pill in the centre of your tongue, and lengthways along your tongue if the pill is oval-shaped
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