Recent incidents involving medications becoming stuck highlight the importance of safe administration practices. Review tips below for supporting individuals during medication routines, recognizing potential swallowing concerns, and knowing when follow-up may be needed.

A number of individuals have required back blows or abdominal thrusts recently due to oral medications becoming stuck/lodged in their throats. Such incidents may indicate a potential swallowing issue or may be an isolated occurrence. If intervention is required to dislodge the medication, the incident should be reported and appropriate follow-up completed.

Things to keep in mind when taking (or supporting individuals in taking) medications safely:

• Ensure that individuals are awake and alert prior to introducing their medications to them.
• Administer medications when individuals are in an upright position (as close to 90° from hips as possible).

• Encourage a person to take a drink or bite of pureed fruit (if they take their meds this way) to ensure that their mouth and swallowing mechanisms are not overly dry.

• Encourage individuals to take one pill at a time rather than all at once.
• Encourage individuals to swallow medications with their chin in a neutral or chin tucked position. Some individuals have a habit of throwing their heads back upon introducing a pill to their mouth. This is NOT ideal.
• DO NOT alter the medications in any way without first consulting with the individual’s doctor/pharmacist. Some medications should not be crushed. There are also drugs that are available in liquid form should that be helpful.

• If necessary, doctors will write an order detailing appropriate medication administration.
• Once all medications have been administered, please ensure that the mouth is clear. Additional drinks or bites of pureed fruit are often helpful.