Pill splitting

Pill splitting refers to the practice of dividing a tablet or pill into two or more separate parts. This is often done to adjust the dosage of a medication or to save money on prescription drugs.

Overview

Pill splitting is a common practice among patients who want to save money on their prescription medications. Some medications can be purchased at nearly the same price for different dosages. By splitting a higher-dose pill, patients can get two doses for nearly the price of one. However, not all pills can or should be split.

Procedure

Pill splitting should only be done with medications that are scored, or have a line down the middle of the pill. This line indicates that the pill can be split safely. To split a pill, a pill splitter can be used. This device holds the pill in place and cuts it evenly in half.

Considerations

Before splitting a pill, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist. Some medications should not be split because they have a special coating that controls the release of the medication into the body. Splitting these pills can cause the medication to be released too quickly, which can lead to side effects.

Risks

There are several risks associated with pill splitting. These include uneven doses, difficulty swallowing smaller pieces, and the potential for contamination. It is also possible that the split pill may not have the same effect as a whole pill.

See also

• Tablet (pharmacy)
• Pharmacist
• Healthcare provider