Final answer:
Controlled-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed as this can lead to rapid drug absorption, potentially causing harm and negating the benefits of slow-release technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, controlled-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed. Crushing or chewing controlled-release tablets may lead to the rapid release and absorption of the drug, which can potentially be harmful. The technology behind controlled-release tablets ensures that the medication is delivered into the bloodstream at a slow and steady rate, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels in the body over an extended period.
For instance, when evaluating the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of extended-release tablets, like those of gabapentin enacarbil, it's critical that the tablet's integrity is maintained for proper drug delivery. Doing otherwise would alter the release mechanism, potentially resulting in an overdose and increased side effects, thus negating the benefits of slow-release technology that are intended to manage health conditions more effectively.