Question

Which of the following oral dosage forms should not be disrupted? a. Enteric-coated and sustained-action medications b. Sustained-action and intravenous medications c. Products containing a wax matrix and subcutaneous medications d. Enteric-coated tablets and all capsules

Short answer

Enteric-coated and sustained-action medications should not be disrupted.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Dosage Forms

First, understand that certain oral dosage forms are designed to be absorbed in specific areas of the digestive system or to release the medication slowly over time. Disrupting these dosage forms can lead to improper medication delivery and could cause harm.

Identifying Non-Disruptable Dosage Forms

Then identify which forms of medication mentioned in the options are known to be those that should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. Enteric-coated medications are designed to withstand stomach acid and release their contents in the intestines. Sustained-action or controlled-release medications are formulated to release the medication slowly over time.

Comparing Choices with Known Non-Disruptable Forms

Compare the options listed with the information about non-disruptable dosage forms. Intravenous medications and subcutaneous medications are not oral forms, so they are irrelevant to the question. All capsules can sometimes be opened, though it depends on the specific medication. The choice that includes only oral forms that are not to be disrupted is the correct answer.

Conclusion

Considering the above information, 'Enteric-coated and sustained-action medications' are designed in such a way they rely on their intact form for proper function and safety. Thus, they should not be disrupted.

Key concepts

Enteric-Coated Medications

Enteric-coated medications are a specific type of oral dosage form designed to bypass the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the more neutral pH of the intestines. This targeted release is essential for drugs that can be irritant to the stomach lining or are unstable in acidic conditions.

Furthermore, the enteric coating protects patients from experiencing gastric discomfort or distress, a common side effect of many medications if released too soon. For this reason, it is imperative that enteric-coated medications are not crushed, chewed, or broken prior to ingestion. Doing so may not only reduce the efficacy of the medication but can also lead to direct effects on the stomach lining, potentially causing injury.

Sustained-Action Medications

Sustained-action medications, also known as controlled-release, extended-release, or time-release medications, are oral dosage forms designed to release their active ingredients over a prolonged period. This gradual release maintains more consistent drug levels in the bloodstream, reducing the need for frequent dosing and minimizing the risk of peak-and-trough effects.

The intricate design of sustained-action medications mandates that they should not be disrupted, such as by crushing or splitting the pills. Altering their form can lead to a rapid release of the active ingredient, potentially resulting in toxicity or diminished treatment efficacy. Patients must be instructed clearly on how to take these medications to ensure that the therapeutic benefits are realized safely.

Oral Dosage Forms

Oral dosage forms encompass a wide variety of medication preparations, including tablets, capsules, liquids, suspensions, and syrups. These forms are commonly used because of the convenience of administration, patient compliance, and the non-invasive nature of delivery.

While many oral dosage forms can be safely modified, for example by crushing tablets or opening capsules to mix with food, not all can be altered without consequence. It is fundamental to distinguish which medications should remain intact, such as enteric-coated or sustained-action medications. Misunderstanding this can result in suboptimal treatment or harm to the patient, highlighting the necessity of patient education regarding their medication regimens.