Choosing the correct formulation
Choosing formulations of medicines for adults with swallowing difficulties
25 June 2021Some adults cannot safely swallow tablets or capsules. A stepwise process for choosing suitable formulations, including crushing tablets, is described.
Preparing and administering medicines to patients
Preparing medicines for administration to adults with swallowing difficulties
2 July 2021How to disperse tablets in water, crush tablets and open capsules safely for adults with swallowing difficulties.
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.
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
Examples of medicines formulations for patients
Medicines suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties
25 June 2021A number of licensed and unlicensed products in different therapeutic classes are available that are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties.
ACEI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
20 June 2024A range of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties
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.
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
Parkinson’s disease medicines in swallowing difficulties
13 June 2022Guidance to help you ensure your patients with Parkinson’s Disease are able to get the most from their medicines if they develop swallowing difficulties
Antiplatelet suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of antiplatelet formulations are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties.
PPI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) 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.
Statin suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
1 July 2021A range of statin 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.
Thickeners
Defining and identifying thickness of fluids and food for patients with swallowing difficulties
2 July 2021How fluid thickness and food texture are defined for patients with swallowing difficulties, and how to find the recommended level for a patient.
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.
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.
Storage and regulation of thickeners and thickened fluids
2 July 2021Thickeners and thickened fluids have different storage requirements and are regulated in a particular manner.
Enteral feeding tubes
How enteral feeding tubes affect medicines
8 March 2022A knowledge of the different types of enteral feeding tube is important when recommending options for medicines administration
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.