Choosing the right formulation
Not everyone can safely swallow thin liquids such as water. Oral liquid medicines are usually only suitable for individuals who can safely swallow thin liquids. Choosing medicines formulations in swallowing difficulties gives a stepwise process, including when it is best to crush tablets or open capsules.
Using articles in this series
The therapeutic groups included have been chosen in response to requests for information or safety issues.
Where different medicines are listed, therapeutic equivalence is not implied. Patients require monitoring and possibly dose titration when switching between different medicines. In most cases, special-order medicines will not be required.
Medicines not in this series
For information on therapeutic options for medicines not in this series, see the BNF for licensed products.
Checking if tablets can be crushed or capsules opened suggests resources to use and pharmaceutical issues to consider.
Most medicines can be given with a spoonful of soft food to enable administration. Checking if medicines can be given with food explains how to decide if medicines can be given with food or thickened fluid.
Advising on medicines administration
If tablets are to be crushed or capsules opened, see Advising how to crush or disperse tablets and open capsules.
If medicines are to be given with food, see Why and how medicines are given with soft food or thickened fluid.
Update history
- Full review and update to reflect new and updated pages.
- Published
- Change to articles in the series: 'ACEI and ARB suggestions' removed. Separate articles for 'ACEI suggestions' and 'ARB suggestions' added.
- Added advice regarding choice of medicine formulation for individuals unable to swallow thin liquids or water, and choice of food or fluid for administering medicines.