A patient with an NG tube has several oral medicines; which of the following must not be crushed or dispersed for NG administration?

• A. Felodipine modified-release
• B. Acetazolamide
• C. Paracetamol
• D. Chlorphenamine

Answer: (A)

Modified-release formulations are designed to release the drug gradually over time. Crushing or dispersing them destroys that release pattern, leading to dose dumping, higher peak concentrations, and potential toxicity or unpredictable absorption.

Felodipine in a modified-release form is the one that must not be crushed or dispersed for a nasogastric tube administration. If it’s crushed, the drug would be released all at once, increasing the risk of adverse effects from a sudden, higher amount entering the bloodstream.

The other drugs listed are typically immediate-release forms and can be crushed or dispersed for NG administration, assuming there are no other formulation-specific precautions. In practice, always verify with the product guidance or a pharmacist if a specific tablet can be dispersed.