Question About The HelloPharmacist 'Do Not Crush List'
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses some details regarding the HelloPharmacist 'Do Not Crush' list.

Question
How often is the Do Not Crush List updated, and where is the information sourced from since the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) stopped publishing it? Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist
Staff
Last updated Mar 31, 2025
Key points
- We created our own 'Do Not Crush List' due to ISMP removing the list from their website and the high volume of queries we receive on the topic.
- The list is updated monthly based on various sources such as FDA-approved prescribing information, NIOSH, and drug compendia. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for specific guidance.
Answer
Thanks so much for reaching out to us about our 'Do Not Crush List'.
One of the reasons we created the 'Do Not Crush List' was specifically for the reason you mentioned in your question and that is ISMP removing the list from their website.
Their reasoning was that they do not own, maintain or review the list for accuracy (it is owned by Thomas Land Publishers). Since it was such a popular resource, and due to the fact we receive multiple questions a day regarding whether or not a certain med can be crushed, we went ahead and made our own.
As far as I'm aware, I believe it is the most comprehensive list that is available free of charge.
To clarify how often we update our list and where we get information from, we've added a section at the bottom of the list to clarify where the information comes from:
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Guidance regarding medications that should not be crushed comes from various sources, including:
- The FDA-approved prescribing information for the individual drugs
- NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health)
- Drug Compendia (e.g., UpToDate, Elsvier Clinical Key, Micromedex)
If you need a specific reference for a drug contained on the list and it isn't noted, please contact us directly and we'll be sure to provide that information for you.
Additionally, some of the information is directly provided by the drug manufacturer upon inquiry.
In regard to how often the list is updated, we review it monthly and will make adjustments throughout the month as new information becomes available or if one of our readers provides feedback on appropriate adjustments.
It is important to note that while we have compiled a list of over 500 medications that should not be crushed, it is crucial to understand that it does not include every single drug that cannot be crushed available on the market.
Our list is intended to be a useful guide for individuals who may require such information. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional such as a doctor, pharmacist, or health organization for specific guidance as they can provide personalized advice and help you make informed decisions regarding your medication.
Final Words
Thanks for reaching out to us and asking about one of our resources. Reach back out anytime!
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
- 1178 views