Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 25 No. 6 2002
Splitting tablets
Some tablets can be split in two to give a smaller dose. However splitting tablets can be unsafe. For example if you break tablet of soluble aspirin, do not keep the second half for later as it loses its effect.
Splitting tablets can be difficult. In general, only tablets with a line scored across them should be split. A device called a tablet cutter can make splitting tablets easier. Trying to split a tablet into quarters is likely to break the tablet into small pieces which cannot be used.
Some tablets are specially made to slowly release medicine into the body. Splitting these tablets can cause too much medicine to enter the body at once. Only split tablets if your doctor or pharmacist recommends it.
