Can You Open Adderall XR Capsules?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Adderall XR capsules can be opened.
Can you open Adderall XR capsules? I have trouble swallowing the capsules.
Apr 28, 2022- Adderall XR capsules can be opened and sprinkled on cool applesauce or pudding, then swallowed immediately without chewing to maintain the extended-release mechanism.
- Do not crush, chew, or destroy the drug beads inside the capsule, as this will cause the entire dose to release at once and increase the risk of overdose and side effects.
- The opened capsule contents must be consumed immediately and not saved for later use because the beads become more vulnerable to moisture and environmental damage without the protective outer capsule.
Hello and thanks for reaching out! Yes, Adderall XR capsules can safely be opened and sprinkled on a spoonful of cool applesauce or pudding and swallowed immediately, followed by a drink of water or other liquid.
The entire contents of Adderall XR capsules should be consumed immediately and not be stored for future use as the drug will be more susceptible to moisture and other environmental factors when not protected by the outer capsule. Additionally, and this is a very important point, you want to make sure to swallow the applesauce or pudding without chewing.
Crushing, chewing, or otherwise destroying the drug beads will ruin the extended-release mechanism of Adderall XR, causing the entire dose to be released at once, potentially causing an acute overdose and an increased risk of side effects.
The prescribing information for Adderall XR states that the absorption and overall effects of the drug are the same, regardless of whether or not you take it intact in a capsule form, or you take the beads sprinkled on food:
"Opening the capsule and sprinkling the contents on applesauce results in comparable absorption to the intact capsule taken in the fasted state [without food]
Thanks again for your question and please be sure to contact us again if you need anything else answered!
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Extended-release mechanism
- A system designed to slowly release medication into your body over several hours instead of all at once.
- Acute overdose
- A sudden, severe poisoning from taking too much of a drug at one time.
- Absorption
- The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream and is taken up by the body.
- Fasted state
- The condition of having an empty stomach with no food present.
- Drug beads
- Tiny pellets inside an extended-release capsule that dissolve at different rates to release medicine gradually.
- Prescribing information
- Official documentation from a medication's manufacturer that describes how the drug should be used and its properties.
- Side effects
- Unwanted or harmful reactions that occur in addition to the intended therapeutic effects of a medication.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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