Dissolving medication in water can be a practical solution for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills, or for caregivers administering medication to children or pets. This method can make intake easier and ensure the full dose is received. However, not all medications are suitable for dissolution, and improper techniques can affect effectiveness or safety.
General Steps for Dissolving Pills
When preparing to dissolve a pill, gathering the necessary materials is the first step. You will need a clean glass or cup, a spoon or a pill crusher, the appropriate liquid, and a measuring device. For tablets, some can be placed directly into a small amount of water and allowed to disintegrate. If the tablet does not dissolve fully, gently crushing it into a fine powder before adding liquid can help, using a pill crusher or similar tool.
After crushing, add a small amount of plain water to the powder or tablet. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the medication is dissolved or suspended. This creates a uniform mixture for accurate dosing. Administer the dissolved medication promptly using a spoon or oral syringe. To ensure the entire dose is consumed, rinse the container with a small amount of additional water and administer this rinse as well.
Important Considerations When Dissolving Medications
Not all medications can be safely dissolved, as altering their form can lead to adverse effects or reduced efficacy. Extended-release medications (e.g., ER, XR, SR) are designed to release active ingredients slowly over time. Crushing or dissolving them destroys this mechanism, potentially causing the entire dose to be absorbed at once. This can lead to a dangerously high concentration in the body, followed by insufficient medication.
Enteric-coated medications (e.g., EC, EN) have a protective coating that prevents dissolution in the stomach’s acidic environment. This coating safeguards the stomach lining, protects the medication from degradation, or ensures release in the intestines for proper absorption. Crushing or dissolving these pills compromises this coating, which can result in stomach irritation, drug inactivation, or reduced absorption.
Other medications, such as those designed for sublingual or buccal absorption (under the tongue or in the cheek), should not be dissolved, as their intended absorption pathway would be bypassed. Chemotherapy drugs, hormones, and some anti-seizure medications may also be hazardous to handle in a crushed or dissolved state, posing risks to the person preparing the dose. Capsules containing beads or pellets are often extended-release and should not be crushed.
Plain, room-temperature water is generally recommended for dissolution. Hot liquids can degrade some medications, and beverages like juice, milk, or soda can interact with the medication, altering its absorption or masking an unpleasant taste. Once prepared, dissolved medication should be administered immediately to prevent degradation or settling of the active ingredients. Always consult with a pharmacist or doctor before attempting to dissolve any medication, as they can provide specific guidance on whether it is safe and effective for that particular drug.