From the Guidelines
The most effective oral form of medication delivery is tablets, as they are generally the most common and cost-effective option, offering good stability and precise dosing. When considering the optimal route of administration of morphine, studies have shown that the oral route is the simplest and most acceptable to patients 1. Ideally, two types of formulation are required: normal release (for dose titration) and modified release (for maintenance treatment) 1.
Key Considerations
- Capsules can mask bitter tastes and may be easier to swallow for some patients, while also protecting sensitive medications from stomach acid.
- Liquid formulations are ideal for children, elderly patients with swallowing difficulties, and when dose adjustments are needed.
- The optimal choice depends on the specific medication properties, patient preferences, and medical needs.
Medication Properties and Patient Needs
- For example, antibiotics like amoxicillin are available in all three forms: tablets for adults, capsules for those who prefer them, and liquid suspensions for children or those who cannot swallow solid forms.
- Some medications like certain pain relievers work faster in liquid form due to quicker absorption 1.
- Your healthcare provider can help determine which form is most appropriate for your specific medication and circumstances.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- The European Association for Palliative Care recommends that morphine be given orally, with two types of formulation: immediate release (for dose titration) and controlled release (for maintenance treatment) 1.
- The British Journal of Cancer study found that the oral route is the simplest and most acceptable to patients, with large interindividual variation in kinetics and dynamics in cancer patients 1.
From the Research
Medication Delivery Forms
The most effective oral form of medication delivery is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following points can be considered:
- Medication adherence is crucial for the success of treatment, and various factors can affect an individual's compliance with a medication regimen 2.
- The terms "compliance" and "persistence" are used to describe medication use, with compliance referring to the degree of conformity to the recommended treatment and persistence referring to the act of continuing treatment for the prescribed duration 3.
Factors Affecting Medication Delivery
Some factors that can impact medication delivery include:
- Patient understanding of prescription drug label instructions, which can be improved by using explicit language to describe dose and frequency of use 4.
- Medication errors, which can occur due to various personal and organizational factors, including incorrect prescribing and dispensing 5.
- The prescribing process, which can be improved by following a systematic approach, such as the eight-step approach advocated by the World Health Organization 6.
Oral Medication Forms
The provided studies do not directly compare the effectiveness of capsules, liquid, and tablets as oral medication forms. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the most effective form based on the available evidence.