The first stop for professional medicines advice

Swallowing difficulties

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Antiplatelet suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

13 June 2024A range of antiplatelet formulations are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties.

Anticoagulant suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

13 June 2024A range of oral anticoagulant formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.

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.

ARB suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

20 June 2024A range of angiotensin II receptor antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers, ARB) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.