pradaxa question

Nurses Medications

Published

Specializes in Sub acute (ortho/rehab).

So i understand pradaxa is non crushable but my question is for patients who have difficulty swallowing whole pills is it ok to open the capsule and have them swallow it with apple sauce if they are not biting down on the litlle "balls". I think it is a wonderful medication especially for those who are unable to take coumadin/ don't want to deal with the blood work involved with coumadin therapy but am curious to know if the med is safe to be administered this way. thanks!

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The outer gel cap dissolves almost immediately when it hits the stomach. I can't possibly see any problem as long as you do not crush the beads. If I am wrong, please correct me.

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Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

I've read that it should only be swallowed whole but I would check with a pharmacist, they should be able to give you the best info.

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Call the pharmacy. I take the stuff, and wouldn't do anything with it without calling the pharmacy.

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Specializes in Peds Homecare.

How should I take Pradaxa?

Take Pradaxa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Pradaxa more often than your doctor tells you to.

Take Pradaxa with or without food. Swallow Pradaxa capsules whole. Do not break, chew, or empty the pellets from the capsule.

http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/pradaxa

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Specializes in Sub acute (ortho/rehab).

that was my logic sweetseRn. Thankfully my patient will take a pill or two whole with her applesauce but i know other Rn's are opening it up and giving it to her open. She doesn't wear her dentures so I'm not that worried about her chewing the balls and releasing a rapid dose of the medication, but I am curious to as if this is safe. I know "ask the pharmacy" is the text book answer but wondering just from curiosity if anyone has any experience from a cardiologist objecting to or having any input

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that was my logic sweetseRn. Thankfully my patient will take a pill or two whole with her applesauce but i know other Rn's are opening it up and giving it to her open. She doesn't wear her dentures so I'm not that worried about her chewing the balls and releasing a rapid dose of the medication, but I am curious to as if this is safe. I know "ask the pharmacy" is the text book answer but wondering just from curiosity if anyone has any experience from a cardiologist objecting to or having any input

Ask the pharmacy was from someone who takes it :D They may have info that isn't in the books- as in updates . :)

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It has it's own website: http://www.pradaxa.com

I'd post the link but the site is dragging this morning.

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I just returned from the pharmacy to pick my rx for Pradaxa, and asked him about opening the capsules. Per him, and the written instructions that came with the rx, NO. The gelatin does dissolve, but it's not "instant". Depending on what is in the stomach, it may take a while, and gives some protection to the med, and the GI tract. The information is provided by Schnuck's Pharmacy.

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Specializes in PCU.

According to boehringer-ingelheim, without the gel capsule, the oral bioavailability of this med increases by 75% :eek:

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Specializes in Sub acute (ortho/rehab).

thank you for that insight maelstrom... thats what I was looking for

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Whoa, thank goodness once again for AN, so glad I spend so much time on here. Once again some very valuable info. So glad this question was asked and answered correctly!

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