What is the purpose of crushing tablets before administration?

Crushing tablets before administration primarily serves the purpose of making them easier to consume. Many individuals, especially those with difficulty swallowing, such as children or the elderly, may struggle with whole tablets. By crushing the tablets, caregivers or healthcare providers can help ensure that the medication can be ingested more comfortably, which is essential for adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen.

While improving taste can be a secondary benefit, that is not the fundamental reason for crushing medications. Enhancing absorption speed and increasing medication effectiveness are more related to the properties of the medication itself, rather than a direct result of the action of crushing. Therefore, the key focus is on facilitating easier consumption, which promotes better compliance with medication schedules.