Primary Care

Considerations for artificial saliva products in dentistry

30 April 2025Artificial saliva products for dry mouth (xerostomia) vary in formulation. We advise on pharmaceutical considerations and prescribing or supplying in dentistry.

Complex medication regimens: supporting adherence

20 December 2023Interventions and tools to help improve medication adherence, where complex regimens (capability) have been identified as a factor

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

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.

Choosing an antidepressant for people with coronary heart disease

29 April 2025Sertraline is the first-line option in people with coronary heart disease. Alternatives include fluoxetine, paroxetine and mirtazapine.

Children's medicines: resources to support answering questions

17 March 2023Suggested resources to help primary care healthcare professionals find information on medicines use in paediatrics

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.

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.

Avoid prescribing desiccated (natural) thyroid extract

20 January 2022Levothyroxine is the standard of care for treating hypothyroidism. Desiccated or natural thyroid extracts (DTE) are not routinely recommended.

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.