Crushing Pills vs Liquid Form Medication

When it comes to taking medication, there are pros and cons to both crushing pills and taking them in liquid form. If you have high cholesterol, for example, your doctor may prescribe a statin medication. Statins come in both pill and liquid form, so which is better?

Crushing pills can make it easier to take higher doses of medication since the powder can be divided into smaller increments than the pill form. Crushing also allows the active ingredients to be released more quickly into the bloodstream since there is no barrier (such as a capsule) that needs to be broken down first. However, some medications should not be crushed because doing so could alter their efficacy or create dangerous side effects.

Liquid forms of medication may be easier to take for some people, especially children or those who have difficulty swallowing pills whole. 69% of elderly patient report missing doses due to difficulty swallowing pills, and  1 in 25 adults have difficulty swallowing in the United States. On the downside, liquids can taste quite bitter (again making them difficult for young children or those with sensitive gag reflexes). Another factor is the limited availability of oral suspension medications administered by alternative routes, which become a common practice of crushing pills.

Evaluating potential solutions to improve treatment compliance with multiple forms of drug administration can be a challenge. One must consider the pros and cons of each method in order to make an informed decision. Crushing pills may offer some advantages over liquid-form medication, such as being easier to take and requiring less time to administer. On the other hand, liquid-form medication can be an alternative for treatment for those who have difficulty swallowing pills. Ultimately, the best decision for each individual will depend on their specific situation and health needs.