Pill splitting is a common practice that involves dividing a tablet into smaller portions. This is often done to adjust a medication’s dose when a specific strength isn’t commercially available, to make larger pills easier to swallow, or to manage medication costs by splitting a higher-dose tablet into multiple lower-dose units.
Determining Suitability for Splitting
Pill splitting is often done when a lower dosage is needed or to make larger tablets easier to swallow. Tablets with a score line, an indented mark across the middle, are generally designed to be split evenly. However, always consult a doctor or pharmacist to confirm if a specific medication is safe to split, even if it has a score line.
Some medications should never be split due to safety concerns. This includes extended-release (ER, SR, TR, XR, XL, LA) medications. Splitting them can disrupt their controlled release, leading to a sudden dose release, overdose, or reduced effectiveness. Enteric-coated pills, which have a special coating to protect the medicine from stomach acid or delay release, should also not be split, as this coating can be destroyed, affecting absorption. Additionally, capsules, chemotherapy drugs, other hazardous medications, and pills that crumble easily or have an uneven shape are unsuitable for splitting.
Choosing Tools and Proper Technique
A dedicated pill splitter is the recommended tool for dividing tablets. These devices hold the pill securely and feature a sharp blade for a more accurate, even cut. Using a pill splitter helps prevent the tablet from crumbling or splintering, which can occur with less suitable tools.
Other methods, such as using knives, scissors, or razor blades, are not recommended. These tools can result in uneven splits, potential crushing, and pose a safety risk. An uneven split can lead to inconsistent dosing, which is concerning for medications requiring precise dosage.
To use a pill splitter effectively, place the tablet carefully into the V-shaped holder, ensuring it is centered and aligned with the blade, especially if the pill has a score mark. Apply firm, even pressure to close the lid, allowing the blade to cut through the tablet completely. After splitting, retrieve the halves, being careful to avoid touching the sharp blade. While pill splitters aim for accuracy, some variability in dosage between the two halves can occur, so consistency in technique is important.
Storing Split Medication
Proper storage of split medication is important to maintain its efficacy and prevent degradation. After splitting a pill, take one half for the current dose and the other half from the same split pill for the next dose. This balances any slight dose variation. Avoid splitting an entire supply of pills in advance, as this can expose the medication to environmental factors that may affect its stability.
Split pills should be stored in their original container or a clean, airtight, light-resistant container. Keep them away from moisture, excessive heat, and direct light, as these conditions can degrade the medication. While the original expiration date applies to the intact pill, splitting can expose its interior to air and moisture, potentially shortening its shelf life. Therefore, it is best to split pills immediately before taking them to minimize this exposure.