Thinking about splitting medication? Learn when it’s safe to cut pills, how to do it safely, and which medications to avoid splitting.
Splitting pills may seem like a simple way to save money or make taking medication easier, and in some cases, it is! A score line is an easy indicator that it is ok to split a pill. This mark or notch going through the middle of the pill makes it easier to split pills cleanly in half. But not all pills are meant to be split. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s safe to split your pills, you’re not alone. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or pharmacist first—let’s dive into when to cut pills, how to cut them safely, and which medications should stay whole.
There are a number of reasons why patients split their medications. Some of the most common reasons are:
Before you reach for a pill cutter, make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if it’s safe to split your pills. The friendly pharmacists at Realo Drugs are always happy to help.
Short answer: Sometimes, but it depends on the pill. Some medications are designed to release slowly over time (typically labeled ER or XR). Cutting them may cause the medication to be released all at once, which can lead to unwanted side effects or make the drug less effective.
Other pills may have a special coating to protect the stomach or to help the medicine absorb properly. Splitting these may also impact their effectiveness.
Talk to your doctor or local Realo Drugs pharmacist about whether your medication is safe to split.
Once you have the green light from your healthcare provider, it’s important to know the safest and easiest way to split your medication. Here’s how to split the smart way:
Not all pills are created equal (to split). Here’s a list of pills to avoid cutting:
If you’re unsure about which medications are safe to split, talk to one of our knowledgeable pharmacists at Realo Drugs.
At Realo Drugs, we’re here to help you make safe and informed decisions when it comes to your medication. If you’re thinking about splitting pills, have questions about customized dosages, or are interested in a more effective way to organize your medications, swing by your local Realo location. We’ll let you know if it’s safe — and help you find the right tools if it is.