Meds That Should Not Be Crushed

full update April 2025

Crushing pills can improve ease of administration, but some shouldn’t be crushed. Crushing extended-release meds can result in administration of a large dose all at once. Crushing delayed-release meds can alter the mechanism designed to protect the drug from gastric acids or prevent gastric mucosal irritation. Crushing sublingual or buccal tabs can alter effectiveness. Crushing pills based on certain technologies (i.e., amorphous solid dispersion or nanocrystals) can alter bioavailability.9 Crushing bitter-tasting meds can be unpleasant for the patient. Crushing irritating or hazardous meds can be harmful to the individual crushing the meds. If hazardous meds [e.g., carcinogenic] must be crushed, follow USP Chapter <800> standards in healthcare settings or advising outpatients on proper procedures. Hazardous meds below explicitly state not to crush in the product information. The NIOSH hazardous meds list is at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2025-103/pdfs/2025-103.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2025103.

This table has some common meds that should not be crushed; many more may not be listed. Brand names are representative and may not be all-inclusive. The most current product labeling for US and Canadian products was used to confirm information, in addition to listed references.

Modified-release: Indicates extended-release or delayed-release formulation.7

Medications That Should Not Be Crushed1,3-5,10,13,14,22

Generic Name

Brand Name

Dosage Form

Comments

Acamprosate

Campral (brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Acetaminophen

Tylenol Arthritis Pain

Extended-Release (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Acoramidis

Attruby

Tablet

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Adagrasib

Krazati (US)

Tablet

  • Risk of instability; contact manufacturer for crushing instructions1

Alendronate

Fosamax

Tablet

  • Irritant (oropharyngeal)

Alfuzosin

Uroxatral (US), Xatral (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Alprazolam

Xanax XR (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Ambrisentan

Letairis (US),

Volibris (Canada)

Tablet

  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate

Augmentin XR (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Scored tablets can be split

Aprepitant

Emend (US)

Capsule

  • Nanocrystal9

Asciminib

Scemblix

Tablet

  • Potential for altered release or absorption due to salt form conversion1

Aspirin

Ecotrin

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Irritant (gastric)

Aspirin/Dipyridamole

Aggrenox (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Atogepant

Qulipta

Tablet

  • May be an amorphous solid disperson1

Atomoxetine

Strattera

Capsule

  • Irritant (ocular)

Avacopan

Tavneos

Capsule

  • May be an amorphous solid disperson1

Avapritinib

Ayvakit

Tablet

  • Potential for altered release or absorption due to changes in crystalline form or particle size1

Belumosudil

Rezurock

Tablet

  • Potential for altered release or absorption due to salt form conversion1

Benzonatate

Tessalon Perles (US)

Capsule

  • Local anesthetic effect could increase the risk of choking

Bexagliflozin

Brenzavvy (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release20

Bisacodyl

Dulcolax

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Irritant (gastric)

Brivaracetam

Briviact (US), Brivlera (Canada)

Tablet

  • Bad taste10

Bosutinib

Bosulif

Tablet

  • Riks of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Budesonide

Entocort EC (US),

Entocort (Canada)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Budesonide

Uceris (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Buprenorphine

Belbuca (US)

Film

  • Sublingual dosage form

Bupropion

Aplenzin (US), Forfivo XL (US), Wellbutrin SR (US), Wellbutrin XL, Zyban

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Cabozantinib

Cabometyx, Cometriq (US)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Capivasertib

Truqap

Tablet

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Capmatinib

Tabrecta

Tablet

  • Potential for altered release or absorption due to salt form conversion1

Carbamazepine

Carbatrol (US),

Equetro (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Carbamazepine

Tegretol XR (US),

Tegretol CR (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Carvedilol

Coreg CR (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Cefuroxime

Ceftin (brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Bad taste

Ciprofloxacin

Cipro (US; brand discontinued in Canada)

Tablet

  • Bad taste

Ciprofloxacin

Cipro XR (US); Cipro XL (Canada; brand discontinued0

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Clarithromycin

Biaxin XL

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Clonidine

Kapvay (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Colestipol

Colestid

Tablet

  • Choking hazard

Cyclobenzaprine

Amrix (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Cyclophosphamide

Cytoxan (US), Procytox (Canada)

Capsule (US),

Tablet

  • Carcinogenic
  • Cytotoxic
  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Dabigatran

Pradaxa

Capsule

  • Intact product must be taken to avoid increased exposure (bioavailability)

Dalfampridine

Ampyra (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Darifenacin

Enablex

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Dasatinib

Sprycel

Tablet

  • Riks of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Deferasirox

Exjade

Tablet

  • Tablet is for oral suspension

Desvenlafaxine

Pristiq

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Dexlansoprazole

Dexilant

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Dexmethylphenidate

Focalin XR (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Dextroamphetamine

Dexedrine Spansule

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules5

Dextroamphetamine/

Amphetamine

Adderall XR

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Diclofenac

Voltaren (brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Irritant (gastric)11

Diclofenac/misoprostol

Arthrotec

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Irritant (gastric)11
  • Risk of fetal harm

Diclofenac

Voltaren XR (US: Brand discontinued),

Voltaren SR (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Diflunisal

Dolobid (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Irritant (gastric)5

Diltiazem

Cardizem CD (US), CardizemLA (US), CartiaXT (US), Dilt-XR (US), Tiazac, Tiazac XC (Canada)

Tablet,

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules (Tiazac)

Dimethyl Fumarate

Tecfidera

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Disopyramide

Norpace CR (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Divalproex

Depakote Sprinkle (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Divalproex

Depakote (US), Depakote ER (US), Epival (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Docusate Sodium

Colace

Capsule

  • Bad taste

Donepezil

Aricept

(23 mg strength only [US])

Tablet

  • Intact product must be taken to avoid increased rate of absorption5

Doxazosin

Cardura XL (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Doxycycline

Doryx (US),

Apprilon (Canada)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Scored tablets can be broken up, taking care not to crush the pellets.

Drospirenone/estetrol

Nextstellis

Tablet

  • Low-dose product with risk of instability1

Duloxetine

Cymbalta

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Dutasteride

Avodart,

Jalyn

Capsule

  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility
  • Irritant (oropharyngeal)

Elacestrant

Orserdu

Tablet

  • Crushing may alter bioavailability7

Elbasvir/Grazoprevir

Zepatier (US)

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/

Ivacaftor

Trikafta

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Ensartinib

Ensacove (US)

Capsule

  • No information on the effects of opening capsules

Enzalutamide

Xtandi

Capsule

  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Ergotamine

Ergomar (US)

Tablet

  • For sublingual administration

Erythromycin delayed-release

Ery-Tab (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Erythromycin ethylsuccinate

E.E.S. (US)

Tablet

  • Bad taste18

Esomeprazole

Nexium

Capsule (US),

Tablet (Canada)

  • Modified-release
  • Capsule can be opened for administration of intact granules12

Esomeprazole/naproxen

Vimovo (brand discontinued in US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Eszopiclone

Lunesta (US)

Tablet

  • Bad taste

Etravirine

Intelence

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9
  • Tablet may be dispersed in water
  • Scored tablets can be split

Everolimus

Afinitor,

Zortress (US)

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9
  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Felodipine

Plendil(brand discontinued in US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Fenofibrate

TriCor (US; brand drushingiscontinued)

Tablet

  • Nanocrystal9

Ferrous Sulfate

Feosol

Tablet

  • Mucosal ulceration2

Fesoterodine

Toviaz

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Fexofenadine/

Pseudoephedrine

Allegra-D

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Fezolinetant

Veozah

Tablet

  • Effect of crushing on pharmacokinetics is unknown19

Finasteride

Propecia, Proscar

Tablet

  • Risk of fetal harm

Fluoxetine

Prozac Weekly (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Fluvastatin

Lescol XL(US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release (Lescol XL)

Fluvoxamine

Luvox CR (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Futibatinib

Lytgobi (US)

Tablet

  • Low-dose product with risk of instability1

Gabapentin

Gralise (US),

Horizant (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Galantamine

Razadyne ER (US; brand discontinued), Zunveyl (US), Reminyl ER (Canada; brand discontinued)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Modified-release

Gepirone

Exxua (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir

Mavyret

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Glipizide

Glucotrol XL (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Guaifenesin

Mucinex (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Guaifenesin/

Dextromethorphan

Mucinex DM (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Guaifenesin/

Pseudoephedrine

Mucinex D (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Guanfacine

Intuniv (US),

Intuniv XR (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Hydroxyurea

Droxia (US; brand discontinued),

Hydrea, Siklos (US)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Cytotoxic
  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Ibandronate

Boniva (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Irritant (oropharyngeal)

Ibuprofen

Advil, Motrin

Tablet

  • Bad taste4

Imatinib

Gleevec

Tablet

  • Irritant (gastrointestinal)
  • Scored tablets can be split
  • Can be dispersed in water
  • Risk of fetal harm

Involisib

Itovebi (US)

Tablet

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Indomethacin

Indocin SR (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules4

Iptacopan

Fabhalta

Capsule

  • No information on the effects of opening capsules

Isavuconazonium Sulfate

Cresemba

Capsule

  • Risk of instability or reduced absorption15

Isosorbide Mononitrate

Imdur (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Scored tablets can be split

Isotretinoin

Absorica(US), Absorica LD, Accutane (Canada), Amnesteem (US), Claravis (US), Clarus (Canada), Epuris (Canada), Myorisan (US), Zenatane (US)

Capsule

  • Irritant (esophageal)
  • Teratogenic

Itraconazole

Sporanox

Capsule

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Ivacaftor

Kalydeco

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Ivosidenib

Tibsovo

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Lamotrigine

Lamictal XR (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Lansoprazole

Prevacid

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Lansoprazole

Prevacid SoluTab (US),

Prevacid FasTab (Canada)

Tablet

  • Should be dissolved in the mouth, not chewed

Lazertinib

Lazcluze

Tablet

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Lenalidomide

Revlimid

Capsule

  • Teratogenic

Lenacapavir

Sunleca

Tablet

  • Potential for altered release or absorption due to salt form conversion1

Lenvatinib

Lenvima

Capsule

  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Levetiracetam

Keppra

Tablet

  • Bad taste4

Levetiracetam

Keppra XR (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Levodopa/Carbidopa

Sinemet CR

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Scored tablets can be split

Levomilnacipran

Fetzima

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Lithium Carbonate

Lithobid(US),

Lithmax (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Lopinavir/Ritonavir

Kaletra

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9
  • Reduced bioavailability with crushing8

Loratadine/

Pseudoephedrine

Claritin-D (US),

Claritin Allergy and Sinus (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Lovastatin

Altoprev (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Lubiprostone

Amitiza

Capsule

  • Exposure of capsule contents will impair absorption25

Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor

Orkambi

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Mavorixafor

Xolremdi

Capsules

  • No information of the effects of opening capsules

Memantine

Namenda XR (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Mesalamine (mesalazine)

Apriso (US), Asacol HD (US; brand discontinued), Delzicol (US; brand discontinued), Lialda (US), Mezavant (Canada), Octasa (Canada), Pentasa

Tablet, Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Capsules can be opened for administration of intact granules (Delzicol, Pentasa)

Metformin

Fortamet (US), Glucophage XR (US; brand discontinued), Glumetza

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Methylphenidate

Aptensio XR (US),Biphentin (Canada), Metadate CD (US),

Foquest (Canada),Jornay PM, Metadate CD, Ritalin LA (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Methylphenidate

Concerta, Cotempla XR-ODT (US), Relexxii (US),

Ritalin SR(Canada; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Metoprolol Succinate

Toprol-XL (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Scored tablets can be split

Miltefosine

Impavido

Capsule

  • Teratogenic
  • Risk of impaired fertility

Minocycline

Emrosi (US), Solodyn (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Modified-release

Mirabegron

Myrbetriq

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Momelotinib

Ojjaara

Tablet

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Morphine Sulfate

Avinza (US; brand discontinued); Kadian (Canada; brand discontinued in US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Morphine Sulfate

MS Contin

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Mycophenolate

CellCept

Capsule, Tablet

  • Teratogenic
  • Immunosuppressive

Mycophenolic Acid

Myfortic

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Teratogenic
  • Immunosuppressive

Naproxen

EC Naprosyn (US), Naprelan(US), Pro-naproxen EC (Canada), Teva-naproxen EC (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Nevirapine

Viramune XR(US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Niacin

Niaspan (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Nicotine

Nicorette (US)

Lozenge

  • Should be dissolved in the mouth, not chewed

Nifedipine

Adalat CC (US; brand discontinued), Adalat Oros (Canda), Procardia XL (US),

Adalat XL (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Nilotinib

Tasigna, Danziten (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Risk of fetal harm
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir

Paxlovid

Tablets

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Nirogacestat

Ogsiveo (US)

Tablet

  • In one clinical trial, could be dispersed in water (may not fully dissolve). OraSweet could be added.6

Nisoldipine

Sular (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Nitroglycerin

Nitrostat

Tablet

  • Sublingual dosage form

Olaparib

Lynparza

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9
  • Risk of fetal harm

Omaveloxolone

Skyclarys

Capsule

  • Can be opened for administration

Omeprazole

Prilosec (US),

Losec (Canada)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Capsule can be opened for administration of intact granules5

Opicapone

Ongentys (US)

Capsule

  • Potential for instability1

Orphenadrine

Norflex ER (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Oxybutynin

Ditropan XL (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Oxycodone

OxyContin (US), OxyNEO (Canada),

Xtampza ER (US)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Modified-release

Oxymorphone

Opana ER (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Paliperidone

Invega

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Pancreatic Enzymes

Cotazym (Canada), Creon, Pancrease (Canada), Pancreaze (US), Pertzye (US),

Viokace,Zenpep (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release (capsules)
  • Irritant (oral mucosal)
  • Capsules can be opened for administration of intact granules

Pantoprazole

Protonix (US), Pantoloc (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Paroxetine

Paxil CR

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Pazopanib

Votrient

Tablet

  • Increased absorption
  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Pentoxifylline

Trental (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Piroxicam

Feldene (US)

Capsule

  • Irritant (oropharyngeal)4

Pirtobrutinib

Jaypirca (US)

Tablet

  • Risk of fetal harm

Pomalidomide

Pomalyst

Capsule

  • Teratogenic

Posaconazole

Noxafil (US; brand discontinued),

Posanol (Canada)

Tablet

  • Amorphous oral dispersion9
  • Modified-release

Potassium Chloride

Micro-K (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules4

Potassium Chloride

Klor-Con (US), K-tab (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Potassium Chloride

Klor-Con (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Potassium Chloride

K-Dur (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Scored tablet may be cut in half.
  • May be dispersed in water.

Pralsetinib

Gavreto

Capsule

  • Potential for instability1

Praziquantel

Biltricide (brand discontinued in US)

Tablet

  • Bad taste
  • Scored tablets can be split

Propafenone

Rythmol SR (US; brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Propranolol

Inderal LA (US), InnoPran XL (US), Lupin-propranolol LA (Canada)

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Pseudoephedrine

Sudafed 12 Hour (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Pseudoephedrine/

Desloratadine

Clarinex D (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Pseudoephedrine/

Fexofenadine

Allegra D

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Pyridostigmine

Mestinon Timespan (US), Mestinon SR (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Quetiapine

Seroquel XR

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Quizartinib

Vanflyta

Tablet

  • In one clinical trial, tablets could be dissolved in water21

Rabeprazole

Aciphex (US), Aciphex Sprinkle (US),

Pariet (Canada)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Modified-release

Raloxifene

Evista

Tablet

  • Bad taste4
  • Risk of fetal harm
  • Evidence of tumors at low doses in lab studies14

Ranolazine

Ranexa (US; brand discontinued), Corzyna (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Regorafenib

Stivarga

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9
  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Reptrectinib

Augtyro (US)

Capsule

  • No information on the effects of opening capsules

Ripretinib

Qinlock

Tablet

  • May be an amorphous solid disperson1

Risedronate

Actonel

Tablet

  • Irritant (oropharyngeal)

Risedronate

Atelvia (US),

Actonel DR (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Irritant (oropharyngeal)

Risperidone

Risperdal M-Tab (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Must be allowed to dissolve on the tongue

Ritlecitinib

Litfulo

Capsule

  • No information on the effects of opening capsules

Ritonavir

Norvir

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Ropinirole

Requip XL (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Selumetinib

Koselugo

Capsules

  • Special dosage form (semi-solid fill content) suggests bioavailability may be altered if crushed1

Sirolimus

Rapamune

Tablet

  • Nanocrystal9

Solifenacin

Vesicare

Tablet

  • Bad taste

Sotagliflozin

Inpefa

Tablet

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Sulfasalazine

Azulfidine EN-Tabs (US),
Salazopyrin EN (Canada)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Suvorexant

Belsomra (US)

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Suzetrigine

Journavx (US)

Tablet

  • Can be dispersed in a small amount of water for immediate administration.24

Tacrolimus

Astagraf XL (US), Prograf

Capsule

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Tamsulosin

Flomax (US; brand discontinued),

Flomax CR (Canada; brand discontinued)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Capsule may be opened for administration of intact beads.16

Tapentadol

Nucynta ER

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Temozolomide

Temodar (US; brand discontinued),

Temodal (Canada)

Capsule

  • Cytotoxic
  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor

Symdeko

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Theophylline

Theo-24 (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Theophylline

Theo-ER (Canada), Uniphyl (US; brand discontinued), Theo-Dur (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Tipranavir

Aptivus

Capsule

  • Bad taste4

Tolterodine

Detrol LA

Capsule

  • Modified-release

Topiramate

Topamax

Capsule, Tablet

  • Bad taste
  • Capsules can be opened for administration of intact granules

Topiramate

Qudexy XR (US),

Trokendi XR (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules (Qudexy XR)

Tramadol

ConZip (US), Ultram ER (US; brand discontinued), Zytram XL (Canada)

Capsule, Tablet

  • Modified-release

Trazodone

Desyryl (brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Bad taste5
  • Scored tablets can be split

Tucatinib

Tukysa

Tablet

  • May be an amorphous solid disperson1

Vadadustat

Vafseo (US)

Tablet

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Valganciclovir

Valcyte

Tablet

  • Irritant17
  • Risk fetal harm and impaired fertility
  • Carcinogenic

Valproic Acid

Depakene (brand discontinued)

Capsule

  • Irritant (oropharyngeal)

Vandetanib

Caprelsa

Tablet

  • Tablet may be dispersed in water.
  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Vemurafenib

Zelboraf

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Venetoclax

Venclexta

Tablet

  • Amorphous solid dispersion9

Venlafaxine

Effexor XR

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Verapamil

Verelan(US), Verelan PM (US)

Capsule

  • Modified-release
  • Can be opened for administration of intact granules

Verapamil

Isoptin SR (brand discontinued in US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release
  • Scored tablets can be split

Vimseltinib

Romvimza (US)

Capsule

  • No information on the effects of opening capsules

Vismodegib

Erivedge

Capsule

  • Teratogenic

Voclosporin

Lupkynis

Capsule

  • Special dosage form (one-piece soft gelatin capsule) suggests bioavailability may be altered if crushed1

Vorasidenib

Voranigo

Tablet

  • No information on the effects of crushing

Vorinostat

Zolinza

Capsule

  • Risk of fetal harm and impaired fertility

Xanomeline/trospium

Cobenfy (US)

Capsule

  • No information on effects of opening capsules

Zileuton

Zyflo CR (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Zolpidem

Ambien CR (US)

Tablet

  • Modified-release

Zolpidem

Edluar (US), Intermezzo (US; brand discontinued)

Tablet

  • Sublingual dosage form

References

  1. Saei K, Schweighardt A, Zhao F. Crushability Analysis of Immediate-Release Oral Tablets and Capsules from the 2020-22 FDA Novel Drug Approvals. Int J Pharm Compd. 2024 Sep-Oct;28(5):364-372.
  2. Liabeuf S, Gras V, Moragny J, Laroche ML, Andrejak M; French National Network of Pharmacovigilance Centers. Ulceration of the oral mucosa following direct contact with ferrous sulfate in elderly patients: a case report and a review of the French National Pharmacovigilance Database. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Apr 25;9:737-40.
  3. Beckwith MC, Feddema SS, Barton RG, Graves C. A guide to drug therapy in patients with enteral feeding tubes: dosage form selection and administration methods. Hosp Pharm 2004;39:225-37.
  4. ISMP. Oral dosage forms that should not be crushed 2016. https://www.ismp.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-02/DoNotCrush.pdf. (Accessed March 14, 2025).
  5. Clinical Pharmacology powered by ClinicalKey. Tampa (FL): Elsevier. 2025. http://www.clinicalkey.com. (Accessed March 12, 2025).
  6. Personal communication (written). Medical Information. SpringWorks Therapeutics. Stamford, CT 06902. March 21, 2025.
  7. Personal communication (written). Alex Fikhman, MD. Medical Information. StemlineTherapeutics. New York, NY 100022. March 21, 2025.
  8. Best BM, Capparelli EV, Diep H, et al. Pharmacokinetics of lopinavir/ritonavir crushed versus whole tablets in children. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2011 Dec 1;58(4):385-91.
  9. Uttaro E, Pudipeddi M, Schweighardt A, Zhao F. To crush or not to crush: A brief review of novel tablets and capsules prepared from nanocrystal and amorphous solid dispersion technologies. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2021 Feb 19;78(5):389-394.
  10. Uttaro E, Zhao F, Schweighardt A. Filling the Gaps on the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Do Not Crush List for Immediate-release Products. Int J Pharm Compd. 2021 Sep-Oct;25(5):364-371.
  11. Altman R, Bosch B, Brune K, Patrignani P, Young C. Advances in NSAID development: evolution of diclofenac products using pharmaceutical technology. Drugs. 2015 May;75(8):859-77.
  12. Andersson, T., Magner, D., Patel, J. et al. Esomeprazole 40mg Capsules are Bioequivalent when Administered Intact or as the Contents Mixed with Applesauce. Clin. Drug Investig. 21, 67–71 (2001) [abstract].
  13. NHS. Specialist Pharmacy Service. Statin suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties. Last updated June 27, 2024. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/statin-formulations-suggested-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/. (Accessed March 14, 2025).
  14. NIOSH list of antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs in healthcare settings, 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2016-161/pdfs/2016-161.pdf. (Accessed March 21, 2025).
  15. McCreary EK, Nguyen MH, Davis MR, et al. Achievement of clinical isavuconazole blood concentrations in transplant recipients with isavuconazonium sulphate capsules administered via enteral feeding tube. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2020 Oct 1;75(10):3023-3028.
  16. Fazio V, Altshuler J, Song YB. Safety and Feasibility of Opening Tamsulosin Capsules for Enteral Feeding Tube Administration. J Pharm Pract. 2024 Oct;37(5):1164-1169.
  17. Cipla. Safety Data Sheet. https://usa.cipla.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/Valganciclovir_Tabs_SDS_12_2018.pdf. (Accessed March 19, 2025).
  18. Personal communication (written). Md Amran Mia. Quality Assurance Associate. Carnegie Pharmaceuticals. Delran, NJ 08075. March 14, 2025.
  19. Astellas Answers. Chewing, Cutting, Crushing, Splitting, or Breaking Fezolinetant. https://www.astellasanswers.com/us/s/p/a574M000000MXIAQA4/veozah?product=a574M000000MXIAQA4&term=crush. (Accessed March 20, 2025.).
  20. Personal communication (written). Tara K. Thurber. Director, Clinical Operations. Theracos. Farmingham, MA 01701. March 20, 2025.
  21. Personal communication (written). Medical Information Services. Daiichi Sankyo. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. March 21, 2025.
  22. NIOSH list of hazardous drugs in healthcare settings, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2025-103/pdfs/2025-103.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2025103. (Accessed March 21, 2025).
  23. Roche. Crushing or splitting Cellcept tablets. August 10, 2023. https://medically.roche.com/global/en/medinfo/cellcept/crushing-or-splitting-cellcept-tablets.html. (Accessed March 21, 2025).
  24. Personal communication (verbal). Jessica. Medical Information. Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Boston, MA 02210. March 25, 2025.
  25. Personal communication (written). Medical Information. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Bridgewater, NJ 08807. March 26, 2025.

Cite this document as follows: Clinical Resource, Meds That Should Not Be Crushed. Pharmacist’s Letter/Pharmacy Technician’s Letter/Prescriber Insights. March 2025. [410460]



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