Background and Importance Geriatric community is the main group of patients affected by oropharyngeal dysphagia. In these population, numerous pharmaceutical forms need to be handled for subsequent administration. However, this manipulation can compromise the drug´s safety and efficacy.

Aim and Objectives To analyse the interventions for the adaptation of pharmacological treatment in nursing home (NH) patients with dysphagia.

Material and Methods An observational, retrospective and descriptive study was carried out in two NH from June 2023 to September 2023. All patients with medication crushed were identified with the collaboration of the nursing staff. Biodemographic data, prescribed medications and the suggested interventions were recorded. The DEGLUFARM® guide was used for the interventions performed. The prescribing clinicians were notified.

Results 184 NH patients were included in our study. 60 of them (32.61%) had their medication crushed. Of these, 19 were male (31.67%) and 41 female (68.33%) with a median age of 86 years (ages ranging from 38 to 100 years). A total of 509 oral medications were analysed, with a median of 9 drugs per patient. Of all prescribed medications, 23 conflicting drugs prescribed in 20 patients were identified (33.33% of the patients who had their medication crushed).

According to ATC classification, the most common conflicting drugs were: 6 Alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists (26.09%), 3 drugs for constipation (13.04%) 3 antidepressants (13.04%), and 2 anticholinesterases (8.70%). The pharmaceutical forms that sholud not be crushed were: 8 retard tablets (34.78%), 5 gastroresistant tablets (21.74%), 5 retard capsules (21.74%) 4 coated tablets (17.39%) and 1 capsule containing gastrorresistant pellets (4.43%).

The prescribing physician was notified in all cases, with the following proposals: 12 changes to a different active ingredient (52.17%), 10 changes to a different pharmaceutical form with the same active ingredient (43.48%) and 1 proposal for withdrawing due to a negative benefit-risk balance (4.35%).

Conclusion and Relevance High percentage of pharmaceutical forms that sould not be manipulated is prescribed in NH patients who have their medication crushed due to dysphagia Most of the proposed changes involve changes in active ingredients, so further clinical monitoring can be important. The pharmacists are qualified to carry out this type of intervention, improving the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments.

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.