Can You Crush This Tablet? A Safe Crushing Guide
Which tablets can and cannot be crushed, how to crush them hygienically, and how to take the powder once crushed.
Always check with a pharmacist first
Crushing changes how some medicines work. Before crushing any tablet, check the patient information leaflet and ask a pharmacist, doctor or vet. Only crush a tablet when a healthcare professional has confirmed it is suitable, and ask whether a liquid or dispersible version exists.
Tablets that should not normally be crushed
- Modified-, slow- or extended-release tablets (often marked MR, SR, XL, CR, ER or LA)
- Enteric-coated or gastro-resistant tablets
- Sublingual or buccal tablets meant to dissolve under the tongue or in the cheek
- Capsules — do not open them unless a pharmacist advises it
- Hazardous medicines (for example some cytotoxic or hormonal drugs) without specific handling precautions
- Any tablet whose leaflet says “swallow whole” or “do not crush or chew”
How to crush hygienically
- 1Place one dose inside a clean, single-use pouch and seal it.
- 2Insert the pouch into the Silent Knight and press the lever to break the tablet.
- 3Press again to grind until you have a fine, even powder.
- 4Tap the powder to one corner, open the pouch and use it straight away.
How to take the medicine once crushed
Give the powder immediately after crushing — do not store it. Mix it into a small amount of soft food or water (about one teaspoon) so the whole dose is taken, and make sure all of it is swallowed. Stay with the person until the dose is finished and offer a drink of water afterwards.
Soft foods commonly used (if the pharmacist agrees)
- Yoghurt
- Apple sauce or fruit purée
- Jam
- Custard or pudding
- Thickened fluids for people with swallowing difficulties
- A small amount of water
Things to avoid
- Mixing into a full meal or large drink — the full dose may not be finished
- Hot food or drinks unless the pharmacist has approved it
- Milk or dairy with medicines that interact with calcium (some antibiotics, for example) — ask the pharmacist
- Grapefruit juice, which interacts with a number of medicines
- Hiding medicine in food without the person's knowledge — covert administration needs consent or a formal, documented decision
Feeding tubes
For enteral feeding tubes, follow your facility's protocol and pharmacist advice: mix the powder with water, give each medicine separately and flush the tube with water before, between and after doses.
Pets and veterinary use
Only crush pet medicines when your vet confirms it is safe. Mix the powder into a small amount of wet food or a treat so the whole dose is eaten, and use a new pouch for each animal to avoid cross-contamination.
This guide is general information and does not replace advice from a pharmacist, doctor or vet.