Can You Chew Enalapril/HCTZ Tablets?

The pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to chew enalapril/HCTZ tablets.

Can You Chew Enalapril/HCTZ Tablets?
Mar 25, 2019

Tish asked

I accidentally chewed a 10mg Enalapril/HCTZ 10/25. Do I need to be worried? What side effects do I need to look out for?

At a glance

  • Enalapril/HCTZ tablets aren't formulated to be chewed, but doing so should not result in a decrease in effectiveness or increase in side effects (aside from the bad taste).

Answer

White Enalapril HCTZ tablets with Text Overlay

While enalapril/HCTZ tablets aren't intended or formulated to be chewed, doing so will not reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

However, the tablets are not flavored and have a bitter/chalky taste that may make them difficult to tolerate or swallow if chewed.[1][2]

Chewing Or Crushing Enalapril/HCTZ

There are several types of medications that should not be chewed, crushed or split.

These include medications that have an extended-release mechanism or contain an enteric coating intended to bypass digestion in the stomach.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has an exhaustive list of medications that should not be crushed.[3] Before splitting or crushing any medication, I certainly recommend asking your pharmacist or at the very least referencing that list to ensure it is safe to do so.

Enalapril/HCTZ tablets do not have any special characteristics that make them dangerous to be crushed, chewed or split.

If you have done so accidentally, you shouldn't experience any decrease in effectiveness or additional side effects.

You just may have some trouble swallowing the crushed powder due to the bitter and chalky taste.

How To Split Or Crush Enalapril/HCTZ

If you are having trouble swallowing intact enalapril/HCTZ tablets, they can safely be split.

In fact, the tablets are scored down the middle to ease splitting if necessary. The use of a pill cutter is recommended to decrease the risk of tablets crumbling.

If you prefer to crush the tablets to take them, it is recommended to put the crushed powder in an easy to swallow food, such as applesauce, and take your dose that way.[4]

Enalapril/HCTZ tablets aren't recommended to be chewed, just due to the fact they aren't flavored or formulated in a way to make them easy to swallow. Crushing the tablets and putting in food would be a better option.

References
  1. ^ Elsevier ClinicalKey: Enalapril/HCTZ Monograph
  2. ^ Enalapril/HCTZ Prescribing Information
  3. ^ Oral Dosage Forms That Should Not Be Crushed.Institute for Safe Medication Practices
  4. ^ Crushed tablets: does the administration of food vehicles and thickened fluids to aid medication swallowing alter drug release? PubMed

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