Nasal Irritation From Crushing Medications?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hey friends!

Just wondering if anyone else experiences this in their practice. Often, when crushing certain medications frequently, I find that I begin sneezing/having nasal congestion. Biggest suspect for me is plain Tylenol, which I give probably 30 times a day.

Does anyone else experience this?

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Specializes in ICU.

So funny you say this because I just inhaled a facefull of crushed atorvastatin last night. Blech. No sneezes but a horrrrrrible taste in my mouth.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

I've never had a problem with crushed meds but back in the day when I passed multiple doses of Metamucil I finally got to the point I had to take Benadryl. Eventually had to pass it off to other nurses to give.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

I've never personally have a problem, but I do my best to make sure that I am not going to make a cloud 'o crushed pills.

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Oh yuck!

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Oh no I can imagine that perfectly... it does "poof" up when poured. Glad to hear you were able to find a solution.

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I've never personally have a problem, but I do my best to make sure that I am not going to make a cloud 'o crushed pills.

Unfortunately the LTC I work for has weekly strips for medications, which come pre-packaged. The plastic material they come in is very flimsy and will develop a tear quickly.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I would wear a mask and goggles.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
Unfortunately the LTC I work for has weekly strips for medications, which come pre-packaged. The plastic material they come in is very flimsy and will develop a tear quickly.

I put the pills in a plastic med cup, nestle in another plastic med cup on top of them, and use the butt end of a 10cc syringe to press down and crush the pills.

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I put the pills in a plastic med cup, nestle in another plastic med cup on top of them, and use the butt end of a 10cc syringe to press down and crush the pills.

Oh interesting! I'm not sure how well this will work with the 15+ medications some folks get, but I will certainly have to give this a go tomorrow at work! Thank you.

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Oh goodness. I guess I should be thankful for the pill crushers and heavy duty plastic pouches we have for this purpose!

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Wear a mask-you can tie them in a way that it's easy to pull them down off your face without having to take it off and re-mask.

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