How to sneak someone a pill?

Question

This is a totally legit question. I live with and look after my cranky, elderly mother. She won't take her prescription meds, and I want to *maybe* crush them and mix in food or drink. I want to make sure that the pill powder gets mixed in good and that she doesn't taste it, cause she'll hate me if she figures it out. I haven't done anything yet. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It isn't a good idea to crush the pills to slip your mother medication. Not only would there be the risk of getting caught and losing her trust, but more importantly, there are some medications that are supposed to be swallowed whole because they have a time release formula and are supposed to be absorbed by the body over a period of time. It could be dangerous for her to injest the medication suddenly instead of gradually. Some of the paperwork that accompanies the medications specify that pills should not be chewed or crushed. I'd suggest discussing it with a pharmacist and/or her doctor. It is a serious concern and I'm sure that it is one that they have had brought to their attention before. Perhaps they will have another form she could take the medication in. Liquid instead of pills, for example. Good luck!

Answer 2

First! Some pills have directions not to crush, just call the pharmacy real quick and ask if its OK for that specific pill. Anyway most pills are bitter so you'll have to be clever. You might let it set for 30 min. in a couple spoons of the liquid to dissolve first or it will be gritty! (She will be mad if she tastes it, be very careful to dissolve it earlier!) Put it in an ensure or carnation instant breakfast. SOMETHING IN A SMALL AMOUNT! you want her to BE ABLE TO DRINK IT ALL! A big shake would be to much. They make ensure pudding now or you can make a shake with the instant breakfast.
If it is completely dissolved you could put in a tangy juice like grape or orange.
You do what you have to do when they get like that... Sometimes there is no reasoning with them. The more you try to get them to do something the more they resist! It would be better to sneak it than for her to go without a much needed medication! Don't feel guilty you are doing your best to keep her healthy!

Answer 3

Well, first off. There are some pills you just can't crush. If you do it could kill her. Example; anything that is Extended Release. Crushing these will give her the full dosage at one time and cause an overdose.

So take that into consideration before you crush any pills..

I hear coffee is a pretty good neutral for pills.

Answer 4

Possibly mixing it with her favorite desert after a meal might help.

Before I would try 'sneaking' anything to her, I would try sitting her down and explaining to her how important it is that she take the medication.

Maybe you could call her physician and ask for suggestions? I'm sure they deal with this type of thing all the time.

Good luck.

Answer 5

It would be best to find a way to convince your mother to take her meds rather than try to sneak them into her food.

Call her doctor for some advice.

Answer 6

I crunch mine with a garlic crusher or in two teaspoons. And then hide it in peanut butter or some spread. There is a danger with drinks that it wont fully desolve and she will notice. Then she wont trust you again. Try and talk to her first tho How her behaviour is affecting you etc. Good luck with that one!!

Answer 7

How about making a fruit smoothie?
As long as there is not a fistful of pills in there, it should still taste good.

Answer 8

Tell her doctor and only do this with supervision - you could cause more harm than good.

Answer 9

do it with applesauce how old is your mother contact her doctor do it at your own risk

Answer 10

oatmeal