Tablets

[ilovemarkb]

when can / cant you crush tablets....when should they be swallowed whole

[RATTER15]

I think that most plain tablets can be crushed as long as they arent enteric coated, an enteric coating controls the location in the digestive system where it is absorbed, this coating would be destroyed by crushing, Ibuprophen is usually Enteric Coated.

[murraymints]

Do like doc tells ya¡

[woofgang]

You really need to know what is in the tablet and whether its okay to crush it. Some tablets can burn the mouth some the stomach, some need to pass through the stomach to be absorbed in the bowel. Is this for your Nan? Often non crushable tablets can be prescribed in a liquid form. My Mum could never do tablets and she ended up on quite a list of stuff. He GP was lovely, would go to endless trouble to find liquid or crushable forms of the meds she needed.

[ilovemarkb]

ha ha yes its for me Nan!! Ive told her that she shouldnt be crushing them (feel guilty now) I know her paracetamol is in liquid form but the rest are tablets. Thanks for all your answers

[woofgang]

Markb, if you ever do care of the elderly, this stuff is going to be soooo useful.

[ilovemarkb]

My next placement is on a respiratory ward so guess there will be a good range of ages!! Gonna have a look at that link now headwreck thanks

[ilovemarkb]

hope I never witness anything like that. As a student I get the chance to spend lots of time with patients...the elderly are so grateful and have many tales to tell!!