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Statin suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

Published Last updated See all updates
Topics: AtorvastatinCardiovascular system disordersFluvastatin · PravastatinRosuvastatinSimvastatinSwallowing difficulties ·

A range of statin formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.

This article forms part of a series
  1. Medicines suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties
    1. ACEI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
    2. ARB suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
    3. Anticoagulant suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
    4. Antiplatelet suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
    5. Clozapine use in adults with swallowing difficulties
    6. Parkinson’s disease medicines in swallowing difficulties
    7. PPI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
    8. SSRI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
    9. Statin suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
Contents
  1. Using our advice
  2. Licensed medicines in suitable formulations
    1. Rosuvastatin capsules
    2. Simvastatin 20mg/5ml and 40mg/5ml oral suspensions
    3. Atorvastatin 20mg/5ml oral suspension
    4. Atorvastatin chewable tablets
  3. Licensed medicines used ‘off-label’
    1. Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin tablets
    2. Pravastatin tablets
    3. Fluvastatin capsules
  4. Special-order medicines
  5. Update history

Using our advice

Please see Medicines suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties

The choice of medicine formulation should be made on an individual basis, taking account of patient factors. Follow our stepwise guide Choosing formulations of medicines for adults with swallowing difficulties

Licensed medicines in suitable formulations

Rosuvastatin capsules

Contain pellets and are licensed to be opened and the contents sprinkled on soft food. The pellets must not be crushed or chewed. See the SPC for details.

Simvastatin 20mg/5ml and 40mg/5ml oral suspensions

Available as licensed preparations. They have an expiry of one month once opened and do not require fridge storage.

Atorvastatin 20mg/5ml oral suspension

Available as a licensed preparation. It has an expiry of 60 days once opened and does not require fridge storage.

Atorvastatin chewable tablets

Can be chewed before swallowing. Chewable tablets may not be suitable for individuals unable to control their swallow.

Licensed medicines used ‘off-label’

Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin tablets

Can be crushed and/or dispersed in water or crushed and given with soft food. The tablets are film-coated and contents may taste bitter or unpleasant.

Pravastatin tablets

Can be crushed and/or dispersed in water or crushed and given with soft food. The tablets are uncoated.

Fluvastatin capsules

May be opened, although 20mg capsules are small and fiddly, and dispersed in water or given with soft food.

Do not crush fluvastatin modified-release tablets.

Special-order medicines

In view of the licensed preparations available, special-order preparations are unlikely to be required.

Update history

  1. Content reviewed, remains current.
  2. Link to eMC added for rosuvastatin capsules. Subheading 'used in an unlicensed manner' changed to 'used 'off-label'' for conciseness. Minor changes to wording for clarity/consistency with other pages.
  1. Content reviewed: Minor changes for clarity. 'Using our advice' added.
  1. Rosuvastatin capsules and atorvastatin oral suspension added
  1. Published

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