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Updated: May 26, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Crushing or splitting medications: unrecognized hazards.

Donna Gill¹, Margaret Spain, Barbara J Edlund

¹University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. dgill@musc.edu

Journal of Gerontological Nursing

|January 10, 2012

Summary

Older adults may split pills to save money, but this can be dangerous if medications like extended-release tablets are altered. Always consult a healthcare provider before splitting or crushing any medication.

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Area of Science:

Geriatric Medicine
Pharmacology
Patient Safety

Background:

High medication costs impact older adults.
Older adults may seek cost-saving measures like pill splitting.
Difficulty swallowing pills is common in older populations.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the risks associated with altering oral medications in older adults.
To inform healthcare providers about safe medication administration practices for seniors.
To caution patients against unsupervised medication modification.

Main Methods:

Review of medication administration guidelines for older adults.
Analysis of potential adverse events from splitting or crushing medications.
Emphasis on clinical communication regarding medication regimens.

Main Results:

Not all oral medications are safe to split or crush.
Altering extended-release formulations can lead to dangerous outcomes.
Crushing certain medications can compromise efficacy or cause harm.

Conclusions:

Healthcare providers must discuss medication administration with older adults.
Clear instructions on dosing, splitting, crushing, and route are essential.
Patients must be advised to consult professionals before modifying medications.