15/01/2024
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Sometimes the person with Parkinson's has a real problem swallowing medications. And even trying to take them in applesauce or thickened liquid doesn't work. You can try to DROP you chin to swallow (it usually works with a small bit of water). But sometimes it's just a difficulty.
And constipation can cause the med to remain undissolved, unabsorbed in the gut. By having oral mucosa instead of the gut begin the absorbtion issue, the medication can be better utilized.
But do not crush every drug! Here is a list as a guide from NHS.uk...and please consult your PHARMACIST and let them know why you want to crush the tablets!
" *Licensed medicines used in an unlicensed manner*
Due to potential changes in bioavailability, patients should be monitored and doses adjusted according to response when any of the following licensed medicines are used in an unlicensed way (e.g. crushing).
Amantadine capsules
Can be opened and the contents mixed with water or soft food. A licensed oral solution is available.
Bromocriptine tablets
Can be crushed and dispersed in water or given with soft food.
Cabergoline tablets
Can be crushed and mixed with water or soft food.
Co-beneldopa (Madopar) dispersible tablets –with food
They are only licensed for administration with water or orange squash (not orange juice), however they can be crushed and given with soft food, as long as method of administration is consistent (see above)
Co-beneldopa (Madopar) capsules
Madopar immediate-release capsules can be opened and the contents mixed with water or soft food. The capsule contents are reported to taste bitter.
Note: co-beneldopa prolonged-release capsules are NOT suitable for opening. Patients can be switched to the same total daily dose of immediate-release capsules or dispersible tablets.
Co-careldopa (Sinemet, Half Sinemet) tablets
Sinemet immediate-release tablets can be dispersed in water or mixed with soft food.
Note: Co-careldopa prolonged-release tablets are NOT suitable for crushing. Patients can be switched to the same total daily dose of immediate-release tablets, or to Madopar dispersible tablets.
Entacapone tablets
Can be crushed and mixed with water, orange juice or soft food. The tablets are film-coated and may taste bitter.
Entacapone + co-careldopa (Sastravi / Stalevo) tablets
Can be crushed and mixed with water, orange juice or soft food.
Pramipexole tablets
Immediate-release tablets can be crushed and mixed with water.
Note: pramipexole prolonged-release (Mirapexin PR) tablets are NOT suitable for crushing. Patients can be switched to the same total daily dose of immediate-release pramipexole.
Rasagiline tablets
Can be crushed and mixed with water or soft food.
Ropinirole tablets
Immediate-release tablets can be crushed and/or dispersed in water or crushed and given with soft food. They are film-coated so may taste bitter.
Note: ropinirole modified-release (Ipinnia XL) tablets are NOT suitable for crushing. Patients can be switched to the same total daily dose of immediate-release ropinirole.
Selegiline tablets
Can be dispersed in water or crushed and mixed with soft food.
Tolcapone tablets
Can be crushed and mixed with water or soft food. They are film-coated so may taste bitter."
You can crush pills in two spoons as shown, or actually buy small pill crushers!
