DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column faithfully and find my work-related musings and questions addressed there. I would like to comment on your recent instructions to a woman who asked about a diuretic and a potassium pill — that large pills can be crushed in a baggie and be taken with applesauce. Potassium pills are usually quite large and should not be chewed or crushed. Sometimes they can be broken in half or dispensed in a capsule, which can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce or yogurt for ease in swallowing. Or they may be available as a liquid. However, there are a great many pills that should never be crushed. The safety and efficacy of a medication relies on proper administration. Keep up your great work!
DEAR READER: Generally speaking, if a medication should not be crushed or chewed, the prescription label provides the appropriate information, but I was too general in advising readers to crush pills that might be too large to swallow. Additional labeling information often includes whether to take the medication with food or on an empty stomach and the time of day to take it. It may also advise the patient not to drink or drive because of possible drowsiness. Thank you for picking me up on this. Your point is well-taken and a good one.