The GP wants me to persevere with swallowing pills, but I choke on them. The chemist doesn't see any reason why I cant crush them. I am confused!
2006-12-19 02:52:38 · 18 answers · asked by Gerry CP 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
No. DO NOT crush Metformin (Glucophage) tablets. Nope...no, no way. Even if your pills are not the extended release--you still are not supposed to crush them.
They are formulated to release the medication slowly into your body. It will screw you up by taking the whole thing at once and throw your blood sugar levels out of whack.
Please don't do it.
2006-12-19 02:56:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
A while ago I had to have a feeding tube inserted and all my tablets including Metformin were crushed up, mixed with water and forced straight into my stomach via the tube. As they started doing this to me at a top London hospital, I assume that its OK to crush any type of tablet, especially one for diabetes. My control levels remained the same. I manage to swallow them now, but I know what you mean, they're like horses tablets! Good Luck!
2006-12-20 04:24:19 · answer #2 · answered by Pink n Wise 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you find pills hard to swallow you should consider taking the medication as a patch, in liquid form or through an inhaler, before attempting to crush them. Crushing pills and swallowing them can lead to severe side-effects, and even death, says a group of experts who have formulated a new guideline.
Many pills have special coatings on them to regulate their rate of release when they enter the body. Crushing them can change the rate of release and lead to temporary overdose.
Pills which are taken just once a day often have a special coating which makes the release into the body slow and constant during the 24-hour period. Crushing could give the patient too much at first, and then nothing for the second half of the day.
2006-12-19 02:57:02 · answer #3 · answered by consuella1980 1 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Probably, since directions usually are to drink a glass of water with the pill. However, the taste may not be too pleasant. If the medicine is time release, however, crushing it will not be effective as you will get the effects all at once rather than gradually as is the purpose for time release meds. Try putting the pill in a spoonful of apple sauce and it will go down real easy. Plus you will have a pleasant tasting item with the pill and it is healthy to boot.
2016-03-13 04:53:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's different for each tablet. Definitely check with your doc. Certain tablets must not UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES be crushed as this will increase the absorption rate - that is the medication will be absorbed QUICKER if in smaller particles, as they are easier to metabolise. Certain heart drugs must not be crushed or changed in anyway as they can cause side-effects, however with metformin I'm not 100% sure. Please check with your doc tho. Especially as diabetes is such a balancing act anyway you don't want to to anything do disrupt this? Good luck and good health.
2006-12-21 14:19:28 · answer #5 · answered by Rebecca B 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Can Metformin Be Crushed
2016-11-10 00:23:35 · answer #6 · answered by nelems 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can t swallow pills either. I tried crushing the Metformin (not time released). YUK! It takes awful (salty and horrible) and I m used to crushing pills and tasting them and these are the worst. Good luck.
2015-12-12 03:30:33 · answer #7 · answered by Brooke Logan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only disadvantage of crushing them and mixing with water is the entire pill may not be ingested since the molecules can stick to the side of the glass. Use a small shot size glass and thoroughly rinse and drink again. This will be fine.
2006-12-19 02:56:04 · answer #8 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's best if you can take the pills. Met can be time release, and crushing will make them instant.
I take pills by the handful for my problems. It's not in your throat, it's in your head. Example;
The food you eat isn't in tiny bites. The liquid you swallow isn't in drops. Your problem is psycological.
Try putting the pill in bread or fruit.
2006-12-19 03:00:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
You can't always crush pills because many are intented to disolve at a speed/rate to last in your system for a certin amount of time. Try cutting them into smaller pieces with a pill cutter or a razor. Like cut them into fourths or halves. You can also take them with like a spoonful of yogurt or ice cream, something you can swallow without chewing. Good Luck! '-)
2006-12-19 02:56:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋