Can you crush Abilify (aripiprazole) tablets?

Crushing Abilify (Aripiprazole) Tablets

Abilify (aripiprazole) tablets can be crushed for administration in patients who have difficulty swallowing the intact tablet. 1

Administration Guidelines

• Aripiprazole tablets can be crushed when patients have difficulty swallowing the intact tablet, as indicated in clinical practice guidelines 1
• When crushing aripiprazole, it should be mixed with a small amount of water or soft food for immediate administration 2
• For patients with feeding tubes, crushed aripiprazole can be suspended in water and administered through gastric tubes 3, 2

Important Considerations

• When crushing aripiprazole tablets:

  • Use proper crushing technique to ensure complete dosing (avoid spillage or incomplete crushing) 2, 4
  • Administer immediately after crushing to prevent degradation of the active ingredient 5
  • Avoid mixing with acidic foods or beverages which may affect drug absorption 2
  • Clean crushing equipment between uses to prevent cross-contamination 4

• For enteral tube administration:

  • Flush the tube before and after administration with at least 30 mL of water to prevent tube obstruction 3
  • Consult with a pharmacist to ensure appropriate administration technique 3, 2

Precautions

• The person crushing the medication should take precautions to avoid inhalation or skin contact with the drug particles 5, 6
• Crushing should be performed just before administration to minimize exposure to light and moisture 5
• Do not pre-crush and store aripiprazole tablets for later use as this may affect stability 2

Alternative Formulations

• For patients who cannot take crushed tablets, consider alternative formulations of aripiprazole that may be available:
  • Oral solution
  • Orally disintegrating tablets
  • Injectable formulations (for appropriate clinical scenarios) 2, 6

Remember that while aripiprazole tablets can be crushed, this should only be done when absolutely necessary for patients who cannot swallow intact tablets or when a liquid formulation is unavailable 5, 7.