Which type of medication formulations should not be crushed and given through feeding tubes?

Which type of medication formulations should not be crushed and given through feeding tubes?

• A. Enteric coated
• B. Immediate release
• C. Liquid solutions
• D. Orally disintegrating tablets

Answer: (A)

Enteric-coated formulations are designed to resist stomach acid and release the drug only in the small intestine. Crushing the coating defeats this purpose, exposing the drug to gastric conditions, which can degrade the medication, irritate the stomach lining, and lead to unpredictable absorption. In addition, the powder from crushed tablets can clog feeding tubes, compromising delivery. Because of these risks, enteric-coated drugs should be kept intact when administering via feeding tubes. Immediate-release forms can often be crushed to facilitate tube administration, since they’re not protected by a coating meant to delay release. Liquid solutions are already in a transportable form for tubes, avoiding compression issues. Orally disintegrating tablets are intended to dissolve in the mouth, and crushing them alters the route and may cause issues with absorption and administration through a tube.

Enteric-coated formulations are designed to resist stomach acid and release the drug only in the small intestine. Crushing the coating defeats this purpose, exposing the drug to gastric conditions, which can degrade the medication, irritate the stomach lining, and lead to unpredictable absorption. In addition, the powder from crushed tablets can clog feeding tubes, compromising delivery. Because of these risks, enteric-coated drugs should be kept intact when administering via feeding tubes.

Immediate-release forms can often be crushed to facilitate tube administration, since they’re not protected by a coating meant to delay release. Liquid solutions are already in a transportable form for tubes, avoiding compression issues. Orally disintegrating tablets are intended to dissolve in the mouth, and crushing them alters the route and may cause issues with absorption and administration through a tube.