Pharmacology: dose-form alterations

Question 1

What are some examples of dose form alterations?

Answer 1

Crush
Disperse (put in water, breaks down into granules - eg. Metamucil
Opening capsule (may contain powder, granules - may or may not be able to be dissolved)
Giving an injection orally
Giving a dose that is less than a whole tablet or capsule?
○ Ca you break it?
○ Is it slow release - can’t break or crush? Cut this patch to give a smaller dose: sometimes yes, sometimes no (patch can have matrix that the drugs stay in - cutting destroys)

Question 2

Are there times where you’ll need to change the dose form to suit the patient’s needs?
Is it always possible to change the dose form?
Can pharmacists assist with dose form alterations?
What resource can help?

Answer 2

Yes
No
Yes
MIMS - Don’t rush to crush