How to Make a Liquid Suspension with Ground Pills

Co-authored by Daniela Castro

Last Updated: August 22, 2024

For those who can't swallow pills, some medications can be turned into a liquid suspension. This can make it much easier to swallow the medication and still get the relief or treatment you need. Read on to learn what to do.

1

Check with your doctor or pharmacist.

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Therefore, checking whether this approach is effective for the specific pill you're taking is essential.^{[1]
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Daniela Castro
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2

Find a small cup.

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If you use a teacup, use a tough Chinese style. Otherwise use a plastic tumbler.

3

Have a pill crusher on hand.

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If you're not sure what to get, you can ask your pharmacist: they sell pill crushers, sometimes even at the grocery store.

4

Buy a safe sweetener like Equal or Sweet-N-Low.

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Secondly, it is important to also use a liquid sweetener such as blue agave syrup or monk-fruit liquid sweetener. They are easy to get at the grocery store.

5

Gather your stirring tools.

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Some people use a battery-powered latte mixer but they are too violent and messy.

6

Fill your cup with water.

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Crush your pills thoroughly and add the crushed medication.

7

Stir this well.

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Many medications are not water soluble, which means they won't dissolve in the water. This is why you need to crush the medication thoroughly.

8

Add the liquid sweetener.

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Pharmacists call it "the vehicle". It helps bind the crushed medication in the same way medical syrup works. All you need to do now is stir thoroughly and then take your medicine.

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Question

Can you use capsules the same way?

Eric Huishen Hernandez

Community Answer

Yes, unless they are time-release. In that case, ask your pharmacist or your doctor.

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Can I use regular syrup?

Eric Huishen Hernandez

Community Answer

Yes, just be very sparing with it. You won't need more than a few drops.

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How can a liquid suspension be made from sugar?

Community Answer

Sugar can be dissolved in water. It will dissolve easier if the water is heated. The more sugar added, the more “syrupy” it will be. Care should be used for diabetics and probably not used at all. If you don’t like agave sweetener, then there is light Kari syrup. Make sure to let it cool completely before using.

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Tips

Talk to the doctor about your problem taking pills, and be sure to discuss the crushing option.

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Make sure you have good, tough materials with your medicine cup and stirring implement.

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If you have no other medications or you take very few, you can prepare your "oral suspension" ahead of time and just give it a stir and take it when it's time.

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Warnings

Every time you discuss medications be certain to tell the other party that you crush your medications and take them in an oral suspension. If you have to go to the hospital, they will not know this and may try to give you a whole pill to swallow. If you make sure everyone knows, they will grind your medications for you so you will not be in danger of choking.

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Don't try to use too much liquid. That will make it a lot harder to take all your meds because you'll have too much liquid and you may not be able to drink all of it.

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Be sure your pill crusher is washed regularly. You don't have to ash it every day, but it is good to have two crushers so you can have one while the other is drying: wash about once a month.

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