Choosing the correct formulation
Choosing formulations of medicines for adults with swallowing difficulties
25 June 2021Some adults cannot safely swallow tablets or capsules. A stepwise process for choosing suitable formulations, including crushing tablets, is described.
Preparing and administering medicines to patients
Preparing medicines for administration to adults with swallowing difficulties
2 July 2021How to disperse tablets in water, crush tablets and open capsules safely for adults with swallowing difficulties.
Understanding why people take medicines with soft food or thickened fluid
2 July 2021Giving medicines this way can be a safe and practical option for people with swallowing difficulties, with their knowledge and consent.
Giving medicines safely with food or thickened fluid
2 July 2021Tips for giving crushed tablets or other medicines with food or drink, for adults with swallowing difficulties
Examples of medicines formulations for patients
Medicines suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties
25 June 2021A number of licensed and unlicensed products in different therapeutic classes are available that are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties.
ACE inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor antagonist formulations suggested for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.
Antiplatelet formulations suggested for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of antiplatelets are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties.
Oral anticoagulant formulations suggested for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of oral anticoagulants are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.
Parkinson’s disease medicines formulations for adults with swallowing difficulties
13 June 2022Guidance to help you ensure your patients with Parkinson’s Disease are able to get the most from their medicines if they develop swallowing difficulties
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) formulations suggested for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of proton pump inhibitors are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) formulations suggested for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.
Statin formulations suggested for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of statins are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.
Thickeners
Defining and identifying thickness of fluids and food for patients with swallowing difficulties
2 July 2021How fluid thickness and food texture are defined for patients with swallowing difficulties, and how to find the recommended level for a patient.
Using thickeners of different types for patients with swallowing difficulties
2 July 2021Gum and starch based thickeners are available; drug-thickener interactions are possible and should be avoided.
Thickening liquid medicines
2 July 2021Thickening liquid medicines should not be used routinely: it is difficult to check fluid consistency which can affect whether the medicine is swallowed safely.
Storage and regulation of thickeners and thickened fluids
2 July 2021Thickeners and thickened fluids have different storage requirements and are regulated in a particular manner.
Enteral feeding tubes
How enteral feeding tubes affect medicines
8 March 2022A knowledge of the different types of enteral feeding tube is important when recommending options for medicines administration