Administering

Alternatives to transcribing for medicines administration

28 January 2025Transcribing is not the preferred option for medicines administration and the alternatives should be considered before committing to transcribing.

Managing dosage adjustments for prescribed medicines

23 January 2025Advice on managing medicines that may require dosage adjustments after they have been prescribed.

Understanding why PGDs cannot be used for dose adjustments

23 January 2025This article outlines why PGDs cannot be used to adjust the dosage of a medicine already in an individual's possession.

Legal mechanisms and their application to give COVID-19 vaccines

21 January 2025A summary of the different legal mechanisms available, a priority order for the options, and advice on their application to different professional groups.

Assessment and storage of medicines for self-administration

17 January 2025Suitable medicines must be stored safely and securely in accordance with organisational policy, while still supporting self-administration

Treating acute hypomagnesaemia in adults

19 December 2024Untreated hypomagnesaemia (low magnesium) can lead to life threatening arrhythmias. We guide on the safe use of magnesium for acute hypomagnesaemia.

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.

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.

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.

Implementing self-administration of medicines

18 November 2024Individuals receiving healthcare should be supported to continue to self-administer existing/new medications unless there are reasons why they are unable to