Swallowing difficulties
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'Flozin' suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
27 February 2025A range of SGLT2 inhibitor ('flozin') formulations are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties
'Gliptin' suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
27 February 2025A range of DPP-4 inhibitor ('gliptin') formulations are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties
Covert administration of medicines: legal issues
13 January 2025A summary of key legal issues, a pathway of actions and links to national guidance to consider before administering medicines covertly to adults.
Advising how to crush or disperse tablets and open capsules
17 December 2024How to disperse tablets in water, crush tablets and open capsules safely for oral administration in adults.
Choosing medicines formulations in swallowing difficulties
17 December 2024Some adults cannot swallow tablets or capsules safely. We describe a process for choosing suitable formulations, including crushing tablets.
Checking if medicines can be given with food
17 December 2024Many medicines can be given safely with a spoonful of soft food. Use the suggested resources and clinical considerations to support decision-making.
Checking if tablets can be crushed or capsules opened
17 December 2024We suggest information resources and points to consider before crushing tablets or opening capsules.
Why and how medicines are given with soft food or thickened fluid
17 December 2024Giving medicines with food or fluid may be needed for people with swallowing difficulties or for covert administration. Practical advice is provided.
Thickeners and thickened fluids
17 December 2024Follow specific product information when using thickeners. Avoid mixing starch-based thickeners with macrogol (polyethylene glycol) laxatives.
Thickening liquid medicines
17 December 2024Liquid medicines should not be thickened routinely. It is difficult to check fluid consistency and this can affect whether the medicine is swallowed safely.