1. Administering Medications Orally

2. Introduction Commonly used method due the relative safety, cost efficiency and convenience. Cannot be used where the pt is unconscious, is dysphagic or has GIT disturbances or dysfunction. Common forms include  Tablets  Capsules  Elixirs  Suspensions  Syrups

3. Equipment Required Medication trolley or tray Medication cup (incremental or other) Medications Orders (variable documentation) Water or other drink Pill cutter Pill crusher

4. Procedure For all forms  Check order, find medication and check against order  Prepare the dose and check the medication order again  Before returning mediation check order for third time

5. Procedure For tablets  Remove required dose by tipping into lid  Return extras without handling  Transfer dose to med cup  Tablets can be mixed in most cases For Liquids  Shake before removing dose  Remove cap and place inverted  Pour required dose with incremental cup at eye level and read from bottom of fluid meniscus  Discard any excess – do not return to stock

6. Procedure For all forms  Administer at prescribed time (up to 30/60 either side may be acceptable)  Never leave medications unattended  Allow pt to take meds in hand if needed or place cup to pts lips and assist as needed  Stay with the pt to ensure meds are actually swallowed

7. Consider these things … Sublingual meds are given under the tongue to dissolve. Not to be chewed or swallowed and avoid eating or drinking until dissolved Buccal meds are given inside of the cheek to dissolve. Not to be chewed or swallowed and avoid eating or drinking until dissolved Lozenges are sucked until dissolved. Not to be chewed or swallowed

8. Consider these things … Effervescent tab or powders are to be swallowed as soon as dissolved Do not crush enteric coated meds Do not open capsules Only give meds you have prepared Manage refusal to take meds per facility policy Record withheld or not given meds per facility policy

9. Consider these things … Paediatric meds often given in liquid form and may use a dropper/syringe and higher concentrations (less volume) Older pts may have a variety of variables including changes in absorption, metabolism & excretion.