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Pharmacy/colestipol hcl (colestid)
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Question
I see the recommendation not to crush the tablet form, but I cannot find out why. I understand why you wouldn't want to crush a time-release tablet, but are colestid tablets time-release? I have a lot of trouble swallowing pills, and want to verify that crushing this one truly is a bad practice.
Hi,Fred!
The manufacturer recommends not crushing the tablet form because it could cause esophageal irritation or blockage when you swallow it. Colestipol is also available in granule form which can be dissolved in water or other fluids such as juice,milk, or soup and swallowed.
If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, it would be best to use the granules. Hope this helps, Mary
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Re: Crushing colestid tablets - Thanks very much! It sounds like there's no "pharmacological" reason not to crush them, just to use care not to choke on fragments or have them lodge in the esophagus. I'll get the granules next time. Meanwhile, crushing into chunks and letting them soak in a little water for a while works fine, then after swallowing the mix I chase it with more water to make sure it's all out of the mouth and esophagus. | ||
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Pharmacy
Answers by Expert:
Mary E Scott, RPh, CGP
Expertise
I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience
I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
.I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
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