In Vitro Screening of the Antibacterial and Anti-In Vitro Screening of the Antibacterial and Anti-CandidaProperties of Crushed Nonantimicrobial Drugs Frequently Prescribed in Nursing Homes

Frail older adults often experience swallowing disorders, prompting nursing staff to crush tablets, open capsules, and mix drugs into their meals or gelled water. However, crushing drugs can lead to pharmacological and gustatory problems. As crushed drugs can stay in prolonged contact with oral microbial biofilm, the current study aimed to investigate their antimicrobial properties. Crushed drugs were diluted in 1 mL of isotonic water and assayed in vitro for: (a) growth inhibition of five bacterial strains and Frail older adults often experience swallowing disorders, prompting nursing staff to crush tablets, open capsules, and mix drugs into their meals or gelled water. However, crushing drugs can lead to pharmacological and gustatory problems. As crushed drugs can stay in prolonged contact with oral microbial biofilm, the current study aimed to investigate their antimicrobial properties. Crushed drugs were diluted in 1 mL of isotonic water and assayed in vitro for: (a) growth inhibition of five bacterial strains and Candida albicansby the diffusion method; (b) inhibition of Streptococcus salivariusand C. albicansbiofilm formation; and (c) elimination of a preformed biofilm of S. salivariusand C. albicansafter 5-minute contact. Eight of 29 crushed drugs inhibited bacterial and/or fungal growth on agar plates. Twenty-eight of 29 crushed drugs reduced the total biomass when incubated with S. salivarius, and 28 of 29 crushed drugs inhibited C. albicansbiofilm formation. Preformed biomass was reduced by ≥25% by seven of 29 drugs. Crushed drugs may unbalance oral ecosystems and contribute to oral inflammation.[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(2):82–90.]