Do You Have Difficulty Swallowing Pills? | Ask the Pharmacist With Dr. Shannon Yarosz
Learn when pills can be split, crushed, or opened and why you should check with your pharmacist before making a change.
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Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Dr. Shannon Yarosz from Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy explains to @WDTNTV viewers when tablets may be split or crushed, when capsules may be opened, and why it’s important to talk with your pharmacist before changing how you take a medication. People may consider splitting a pill because a tablet is too large or difficult to swallow or because they need a different dose. However, altering a medication can change how it is released and how much medication you receive.
Dr. Yarosz explains that some immediate-release tablets may be safely split, particularly if they have a score line. When appropriate, using a pill splitter can help divide a tablet more accurately. Extended-release, sustained-release, and controlled-release medications, however, often should not be split or crushed. These medications may have abbreviations such as XL, ER, or SR on the label. Changing the tablet can affect its release mechanism and may cause too much medication to be released at once. Because there are exceptions, your pharmacist can help determine what is appropriate for your specific medication.
For people who have difficulty swallowing pills, other options may be available. Depending on the medication, these can include liquids, chewable tablets, or capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food. Talk with your pharmacist to determine which options are appropriate for you.
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Cedarville University Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Dr. Shannon Yarosz explains when pills may be safely split, crushed, or opened and why certain medications should remain intact. Learn how immediate-release and extended-release medications differ, what a score line means, and what alternatives may be available for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.