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Swallowing difficulties

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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.

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.

Covert administration of medicines: pharmaceutical issues

13 January 2022A summary of the pharmaceutical issues to consider and reference sources available to help pharmacists provide advice on covert administration of medicines.

PPI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

1 July 2021A range of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.

Anticoagulant suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

1 July 2021A range of oral anticoagulant formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.

SSRI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

1 July 2021A range of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.

Assessing injectables for enteral administration

13 August 2024Clinical decisions on the use of injectable formulations for enteral administration should be guided by safety and practicality.

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

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.

Clozapine use in adults with swallowing difficulties

31 May 2023Guidance on clozapine administration including crushing tablets, importance of not missing doses and practical considerations regarding switching formulations