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.
Simvastatin 20mg/5ml and 40mg/5ml oral suspensions
Do not require fridge storage and have an expiry of one month after opening.
Atorvastatin 20mg/5ml oral suspension
Does not require fridge storage and has an expiry of two months after opening.
Atorvastatin chewable tablets
May be suitable for patients able to control their own swallow.
Licensed medicines used in an unlicensed manner
Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin tablets
Can be crushed and/or dispersed in water or crushed and given with soft food. They are film-coated and may taste bitter or unpleasant.
Pravastatin tablets
Can be crushed and/or dispersed in water or crushed and given with soft food. They are uncoated.
Fluvastatin capsules
May be opened, although 20mg capsules are small and fiddly, and dispersed in water or given with soft food.
Fluvastatin modified-release tablets must NOT be crushed.
Special-order medicines
In view of the licensed preparations available, special-order preparations are unlikely to be required.
Update history
- Content reviewed: Minor changes for clarity. 'Using our advice' added.
- Rosuvastatin capsules and atorvastatin oral suspension added
- Published