64. Which of the following medications may be crushed prior to administration?
Answer: D
Sucralfate may be crushed prior to administration.
Sucralfate is a medication that can be crushed and mixed with water to facilitate administration, particularly for patients who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets.
A) Risedronate
Risedronate is a bisphosphonate used for osteoporosis and must be taken whole with water. Crushing this medication can alter its absorption and effectiveness, making it incorrect for this question.
B) Bupropion XL
Bupropion XL is an extended-release formulation that should not be crushed. Crushing can lead to a rapid release of the medication, increasing the risk of side effects and reducing its therapeutic effect, thus it is not a viable option.
C) Diltiazem ER
Diltiazem ER is an extended-release medication used for hypertension and angina. Similar to Bupropion XL, crushing diltiazem can compromise its extended-release properties, potentially leading to adverse effects, making this option incorrect.
D) Sucralfate
Sucralfate can be crushed and mixed with a liquid before administration. This is particularly beneficial for patients who may struggle with swallowing pills, making it the correct choice in this scenario.
Conclusion
Sucralfate stands out as the only medication on the list that can be safely crushed and administered, as it does not compromise its therapeutic effectiveness. In contrast, Risedronate, Bupropion XL, and Diltiazem ER must be ingested whole to maintain their intended release properties and efficacy, confirming that they are inappropriate options.