Discuss PTCB PTCE Exam Topic 4 Question 125

A patient is prescribed Prilosec capsules for gastroesophageal reflux disease. If thepatient is unable to swallow capsules, they may:

Aopen the capsules and sprinkle the medication on applesauce.

Bchew and swallow the capsules.

Ccompound the capsules into a topical preparation.

Dallow the capsules to dissolve under their tongue.

Suggested Answer: A

Prilosec (Omeprazole) is a delayed-release proton pump inhibitor (PPI)used forGERD, ulcers, and acid reflux. It comes incapsulescontainingenteric-coated granules, designed to protect the medication from stomach acid and ensure proper absorption.

Prilosec capsules contain enteric-coated granulesthat are safe to sprinkle on soft foodswithout chewing.

Applesauce is an ideal optionbecause it doesnot interfere with drug absorption or stability.

B . Chew and swallow the capsules Incorrect

Chewing destroys the enteric coating, leading to premature drug release and degradation by stomach acid.

C . Compound the capsules into a topical preparation Incorrect

Prilosecis not formulated for topical use. The medication must reach the stomach intact for proper effect.

D . Allow the capsules to dissolve under the tongue Incorrect

Sublingual administration is ineffectivebecauseomeprazole is not absorbed through the mucous membranesand needs enteric protection.

FDA Omeprazole Medication Guide-- States that the contents can be sprinkled on applesauce.

ISMP Safe Medication Use Guidelines-- Emphasizes proper administration of delayed-release capsules.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline-- Covers modified-release formulations and proper drug administration techniques.

Why Can the Capsules Be Opened?Why Not the Other Options?Key Reference:

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24 comments · newest first

Tracie 2 days ago

C is out of the question. Topical won't work for this.

Percy 7 days ago

Plus, it helps with taste masking too.

Sheron 12 days ago

Exactly! A is the only logical choice here.

Jolanda 17 days ago

Right, and D seems risky. Not meant for sublingual use.

Tracie 23 days ago

B is not a good idea. Chewing could alter the medication.

Percy 28 days ago

I agree, A makes sense. It’s safe and effective.

Sheron 1 month ago

I think A is the best option. Applesauce is easy to swallow.

Amie 1 month ago

Plus, applesauce masks the taste.

Dana 1 month ago

Exactly! A is the most practical choice.

Lemuel 2 months ago

D sounds strange. It won't work properly that way.

Nana 2 months ago

C is not appropriate. It’s not meant for topical use.

Eleonore 2 months ago

Right, we need to avoid that. A is safe and effective.

Amie 2 months ago

Option B is risky. Chewing could alter the medication.

Kenneth 2 months ago

Agreed! Capsules can be hard to swallow.

Dana 2 months ago

I think A is the best option. Applesauce makes it easier to take.

Providencia 3 months ago

I’m surprised they allow that! I always thought it had to stay intact.

Huey 3 months ago

Chewing the capsules? That's definitely a bad idea!

Jacki 3 months ago

Wait, can you really open capsules? I thought that was a no-go.

Geraldine 3 months ago

Totally agree, that's what my doctor said too!

Elliott 3 months ago

A) is correct! You can sprinkle it on applesauce.

Ludivina 4 months ago

I don't recall any option about topical preparations for oral medications. That seems off to me.

Mozell 5 months ago

I practiced a question similar to this, and I believe the right answer is to sprinkle the contents on something soft, like applesauce.

Brock 5 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like chewing the capsules isn't a good idea. I think it could affect how the medication works.

Herminia 5 months ago

I think I remember something about opening capsules and mixing them with food, like applesauce. That sounds familiar.

PTCB PTCE Exam - Topic 4 Question 125 Discussion