Ask before splitting a tablet

A groove down the middle of a tablet does not settle whether it is meant to be split. The FDA says that when a tablet is approved for splitting, that information is printed in the HOW SUPPLIED section of the professional label insert and in the patient package insert, and the tablet is scored with a mark showing where to split it. If the label does not say so, the FDA has not checked whether the two halves match in weight or drug content or work the same way in the body as the whole tablet.

Most sustained, controlled or timed release medications are not meant for splitting, the FDA says. In the rare cases where splitting one is recommended, that too appears in the labeling and the tablet is scored.

If your doctor or pharmacist does ask you to split tablets, the FDA says not to split the whole supply at once and store the halves. Take both halves before splitting the next tablet, because split tablets can be affected by heat, humidity and moisture, such as in a bathroom medicine cabinet. A tablet splitter may be appropriate in many cases, but some tablets are not suited to it because of their shape and size, even if they look scored.

Switching brands is another time to ask. The same medication can be made differently by different manufacturers, so the FDA says to confirm the new tablet can be split even if the old one could. Its bottom line: split tablets only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.