How to Crush a Pill
If you or any members of your family find it hard to swallow pills, then crushing them may be the answer. Crushing your medications to ease intake can be done quickly and inexpensively.
Instructions
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Place the pills or medication into a clean, dry sandwich bag. Put in only enough for a single dose. So if your perscription calls for you to take 2 pills of a medication, but 2 pills in the bag. You can mix several doses of different medications you normally take at the same time.
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Close the bag and lay it on a hard, flat surface. Make sure the pills lay flat. Any words or symbols on the medication should face up.
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Clear your space so that you have enough room to work. Hit the pill once with great force. This will shatter the medication. Shake the bag to distribute the particles evenly throughout the bag. Lay the bag down on the counter again and hit the medication repeatedly with moderate force until all the broken pieces are ground into tiny particles. This may take several tries.
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Shake the bag vigorously once the pills are completely crushed, to ensure no large medication fragments remain. Crushed medications are best taken with applesauce, pudding, ice cream, or yogurt. Pour the medication from bag into the smooth textured food of your choice. Take the medication immediately.
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Dispose of the bag.
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Tips & Warnings
Zipper sandwich bags work best.
Cutting a corner out of the bag after crushing will ease removal of the medication from the plastic, reducing medication residue and waste.
Do not crush extended or sustained release tablets, capsules or any medication marked "DO NOT CRUSH."
Check all medications to ensure they may be taken together. Do not mix medications unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or primary care physician.
