Can I break up beta blockers and then eat them?

Question

The beta blocker is atenolol. I'm supposed to eat it but I have some throat problems where it feels like there's something in my throat and it's sort of hard to swallow and I don't want a tablet to get stuck (I can eat other food cause it's soft). I got an xray and am waiting till Friday for the results. So can I break up the beta blocker tablet and then eat it?

Answer 1

Call the pharmacist to be sure.

Certain medications have some type of coating which is supposed to dissolve in a certain area of the GI and not before that. Some medications are extended-release; by breaking them, you make them immediate-release.  

Answer 2

Put the tablet in some pudding or apple sauce to swallow it. It is best not to crush blood pressure meds.

Answer 3

The applesauce or pudding is a great suggestion.

I am assuming that the atenolol is from the U.S. If so then it is fine to break the tablet in half or crush the tablet as it is not one that is sustained release nor is there any special coating on it.