If you create or delete a table or function replication definition—and a database subscription exists—the change takes place immediately for new data. Data already in the stable queues continues to reference preexisting conditions until all referring data has been applied.
Similarly, if you drop a table or function replication definition, Replication Server continues to reference that replication definition until all referring data in the stable queues has been applied.
However, if you alter a table or function replication definition when a database subscription exists, the change takes place immediately for new data and for data already in the stable queues.
Alter a table or function replication definition using one of these methods:
Suspend primary table and function activities before using alter replication definition, or
Create a new table or function replication definition and then drop the old one.