What kinds of tablets cannot be crushed for enteral feeding?

Enteric-coated tablets contain a special coating that helps them pass through the stomach intact and dissolve only in the small intestine to protect drugs and the stomach lining from the harsh acidic stomach environment. These tablets are coated to target an area with a higher pH for better absorption and to avoid potential degradation of the drug while passing through the stomach. Crushing these tablets can release the drug in the stomach, reducing the effectiveness of the medicine and potentially causing stomach irritation.

Sustained-release tablets are designed to provide a controlled release of medication over a longer period of time, ensuring the drug's gradual absorption and a steady therapeutic effect in the body. These tablets are formulated with special matrices or coatings that regulate the release rate. Crushing these tablets can lead to a sudden release of a high concentration of the drug, increasing the risk of adverse side effects and reducing the effectiveness of the prolonged-release mechanism.

Immediate-release tablets, also known as tablets for solution, should be dissolved in a specified volume of water or liquid before administration to ensure uniform distribution and complete absorption of the drug. These tablets may contain excipients that facilitate their dissolution, and they are not designed to be crushed. Dissolving these tablets in an appropriate liquid ensures consistent drug delivery and proper absorption.