Splitting tablets

Jennifer Lillian Marriott, Roger Leigh Nation

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Patients split tablets for a variety of reasons, however there are problems associated with this process. Tablet-related factors include inaccuracy in splitting tablets and the resultant dose fluctuations, increased degradation of drug as a result of exposure to air and alterations in the dissolution rate of some formulations. Even when commercial tablet cutters are used the accuracy of splitting may be variable. Patients may experience difficulty in splitting tablets especially if their dexterity, eyesight or cognition is impaired. Compliance is likely to be decreased if the regimen requires tablets to be split. Although splitting tablets may potentially save the patient money the possible impact on the quality of medication use must be considered.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-135+151
Number of pages3
JournalAustralian Prescriber
Volume25
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2002

Keywords

  • Compliance
  • Dosing
  • Quality use of medicines

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