Altering dosage forms for older adults

Taylor, Selina, and Glass, Beverley D. (2018) Altering dosage forms for older adults. Australian Prescriber, 41 (6). pp. 191-193.

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Abstract

Swallowing difficulties in older adults present challenges for medication management, particularly as polypharmacy is so common.

It is also important to review the patient's swallowing difficulties and medication management regularly. The limited availability of oral liquids and other dosage forms given by alternative routes means that crushing tablets and emptying capsules is common practice.

Altering dosage forms can have adverse clinical consequences. It is important to consider whether the medicines are still necessary.

If the medicines are essential, find out if there are alternative formulations. Check guidelines and the product information before altering dosage forms.

The legal implications of altering dosage forms can be minimised by following evidence-based practice, clearly documenting the reason for altering the medicine and obtaining written consent from the patient or their carer. Review the patient's swallowing ability and treatment regimen regularly.

Item ID: 56649
Item Type: Article (Short Note)
ISSN: 1839-3942
Keywords: aged care, drug formulation, dysphagia, medication errors
Copyright Information: © 2018 NPS MedicineWise. Licenced under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International, CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Date Deposited: 19 Dec 2018 07:31
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences > 111503 Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920299 Health and Support Services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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