Pill Crusher

[LARWLSN]

Hi.. does anyone have a favorite pill crusher? I have been struggling with a manual crusher purchased at a chemist and it really isn't making my life easier... Are the crushers that look like mini coffee grinders worth the cost?

[WifeLilyRose]

The thing is when crushing pills a lot seems to get wasted too. Some dissolve and others don’t. Some can be mixed together too. When my husband ( PSP sufferer ) reached this point, our GP switched as many medications as she could to liquid form and as his illness progressed, she regularly considered which medications could be stopped all together. That was a big relief as while he was still able to swallow, I could then focus all my efforts on getting some puréed food and thickened liquid into him before he got too tired.

[daddyt]

I would only add that some pills are time released and should never be crushed.

[Purrlie in reply to daddyt]

Our pharmacist was wonderful in reviewing my husband's meds to determine which pills could be replaced by liquid forms, which capsules could be opened and the contents mixed in with food or drink. And daddyt is so right about recognizing time-release pills. Your pharmacist will be able to help you with all that. Best of luck with getting that all figured out. Purrlie

[Dickwin]

When you say 'manual crusher' do you mean a mortar and pestle? I used to work as a chemist and found a good mortar and pestle to be the best general pill crusher. The granite ones were the best. They can be purchased at any Walgreems, Boots, etc. for $15 to $50

[LARWLSN in reply to Dickwin]

we use the mortar and pestle.. it just takes forever and kinda makes a mess if you are not very very careful.

[Stephanielayell82]

We use a granite mortar with little water. Then using the syringe to pull through and dispense it. Works pretty well.

[LARWLSN]

THAT is quite clever.

[Joluu]

Hi everyone I'm new to this group but not new to PSP or pill crushing. I find it easiest to cut the pills with a pill cutter before crushing 😀