Question about circadin tablet - size

[Upsidedownfrown]

ds has been prescribed circadin and I will put the prescription request through on Monday when the gp opens. I have a question though, can anyone tell me roughly what size they are and are they smooth like an ibruprofen or more chalky? I'm worried he won't be able to swallow it as he's only 9 and hasn't ever really had the need to swallow a pill whole. Thanks to anyone who can answer!

From memory they’re a bit smaller than ibuprofen but not as smoothly coated. Ask the pharmacist when you get them - it can probably be crushed and put in a bit of squash if he can’t swallow it.

They are smaller than ibruprofen. Round and about 3-4mm. No coating.

I’ve added a photo, circadin is the smaller of the 2. It is chalkier and we used to crush them and mix into a yogurt (with paediatrician approval!).

Brilliant thanks both. Would you say about the size of an average contraceptive pill? He could definitely manage that. I was told its best not to crush as it then wears off quicker but I guess we could experiment if needed.

@cheekkatb thank you! That's really helpful. Think he'll be fine with that

God I love mumsnet! Can't believe I wasted time trying to Google it when I could've just asked here

My son has had to swallow pills since he was 8 when he was diagnosed with crohns. He had pentasa tablets which are huge! Almost the size of a penny. You aren't meant to crush or cut them either. I must admit I did cut them into quarters for a while until he got used to swallowing them
He also had Azathioprine which are tiny.

Advice we got was to start with swallowing tic tacs, which are pill size, this does help.

good luck.

We crushed it as he was unable to swallow the tablet and his issue was getting off to sleep and not staying asleep. The paediatrician said in my son’s case that crushing the tablet wasn’t an issue. I think crushing it does mean that the effects are more immediate and not as long lasting.

They are really quite small, I use them for jet-lag.

I wouldn't crush them if possible, if they are the controlled release variety (sorry I'm tired I don't know if this is the correct word; in my language comprimés à libération prolongée). If you bite, crush them or whatever all the active ingredient comes out at once.

Hmm ds has problems with getting to sleep so if we end up having to cut or crush it may not be too much of a problem. He can swallow a tictac but not his vitamin. We have an open appointment with paediatrician so feeling hopeful.. It takes at least 3 hours for him to get to sleep and over the years we have tried so so many routines, bedtimes, different tactics/sleep training like you do with a toddler, etc. I'm just exhausted. He's on the asd pathway and my eldest has asd and between them I haven't slept properly for years. I'm really hoping we find the right dosage relatively easily. He is super irritable as well which im pretty sure is due to being tired. I feel so bad for him as some nights he cries and says he so wants to go to sleep but can't switch his brain off. Keeping my finger crossed!

Thanks for your replies everyone. Much appreciated.