Can You Chew Enalapril/HCTZ Tablets?

While enalapril/HCTZ tablets aren't intended or formulated to be chewed, doing so will not reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

However, the tablets are not flavored and have a bitter/chalky taste that may make them difficult to tolerate or swallow if chewed.^[1][2]

There are several types of medications that should not be chewed, crushed or split.

These include medications that have an extended-release mechanism or contain an enteric coating intended to bypass digestion in the stomach.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has an exhaustive list of medications that should not be crushed.^[3] Before splitting or crushing any medication, I certainly recommend asking your pharmacist or at the very least referencing that list to ensure it is safe to do so.

Enalapril/HCTZ tablets do not have any special characteristics that make them dangerous to be crushed, chewed or split.

If you have done so accidentally, you shouldn't experience any decrease in effectiveness or additional side effects.

You just may have some trouble swallowing the crushed powder due to the bitter and chalky taste.

If you are having trouble swallowing intact enalapril/HCTZ tablets, they can safely be split.

In fact, the tablets are scored down the middle to ease splitting if necessary. The use of a pill cutter is recommended to decrease the risk of tablets crumbling.

If you prefer to crush the tablets to take them, it is recommended to put the crushed powder in an easy to swallow food, such as applesauce, and take your dose that way.^[4]

Enalapril/HCTZ tablets aren't recommended to be chewed, just due to the fact they aren't flavored or formulated in a way to make them easy to swallow. Crushing the tablets and putting in food would be a better option.