The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7261 p174-175
9 August 2003

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  The new contract
  Methotrexate
  Tablet crushing
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Letters to the Editor

Tablet crushing

Resources are available

From Ms R. J. White, MRPharmS

I read with interest Richard Griffiths's article (PDF 80K) on tablet crushing and the law (PJ, 19 July, p90). Many of the issues affecting patients with swallowing difficulties also apply to patients administering their medicines via a feeding tube.

The British Association for Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition has recently published guidance on the safe administration of medicines via enteral feeding tubes. Although liquid preparations are advocated for first-line use, the guidance acknowledges the occasions when tablet crushing may be the only option.

The documentation was designed by a multidisciplinary group with wide consultation and has been endorsed by the National Patient Safety Agency. It consists of a patient information leaflet, a general practitioner/community pharmacy information leaflet and a poster. These can be viewed and printed from the website www.bapen.org.uk, or copies can be obtained free of charge from the BAPEN office (tel 01527 457850).

Patients must not be denied essential drug therapy and so there will be occasions when tablet crushing is unavoidable. As Richard Griffiths recommends, it is imperative that there is input from pharmacist, prescriber, carer and patient. The BAPEN resources aim to encourage this dialogue.

Rebecca White
Vice-Chairman
British Pharmaceutical Nutrition Group
www.bpng.co.uk

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