Readers have asked us to update our 2004 article on tablet splitting.1 Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice, but the FDA recently advised consumers against it (FDA Consumer Health Information, July 2009).

RATIONALE — Tablets are sometimes split to achieve an intermediate dose between marketed strengths. Some patients may split larger-sized tablets to facilitate swallowing. And, of course, when 2 tablet strengths cost the same, as they often do, splitting the larger strength saves money.

DOSAGE UNIFORMITY — The distribution of active drug in a whole tablet and its potential for crumbling or breaking unevenly are related to drug manufacturing quality assurance standards. In one study, using near-infrared spectroscopic imaging, large clumps of active ingredient were found in simvastatin tablets manufactured in 4 countries by secondary manufacturers, but not in ... more      

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