Have you ever looked at a big pill and thought, “There is no way I can swallow that!”
You may wonder if you can cut it in half or crush it and mix it with food.
Sometimes you can. But not every pill is safe to cut or crush. Changing a pill can change how the medicine works. You could even get too much or too little medicine.
Here are a few things you should know.
Can I Cut My Pill in Half?
Some pills can be safely split.
You may see a line down the middle of a pill. This is called a score line. It can be there to help you break the pill into smaller pieces.
But a line does not always mean you should split it. Your dose and the type of medicine matter too.
Always ask your pharmacist before you cut a pill.
Can I Crush My Pill?
Some pills can be crushed. Others must be swallowed whole.
Crushing the wrong pill can make your body get the medicine too fast. It can also keep the medicine from working right. That means you could get too much or too little medicine.
This matters most for pills made to work slowly over many hours.
What Pills Should I Be Careful With?
Do not cut or crush a pill unless you know it is safe.
Be extra careful with pills labeled:
ER, XR, XL, CR, SR, or LA
These letters often mean the medicine is made to come out slowly over time.
Some pills have a special coating. It keeps the medicine safe until it gets to the right spot in your body. Crushing or cutting that coating can change how the medicine works.
Can I Mix Crushed Medicine With Food?
Sometimes.
Some medicines can be mixed with foods like applesauce or pudding. Others should not be mixed with certain foods or drinks.
Before you mix medicine with food, check with your pharmacist.
What if I Have Trouble Swallowing Pills?
Tell your pharmacist!
There may be another way to take it. Your medicine might come as a:
Liquid
Smaller tablet
Chewable tablet
Dissolving tablet
Some capsules can also be safely opened, but others need to be swallowed whole. Ask your pharmacist before opening a capsule. If it is safe to open, do not chew or crush what is inside unless your pharmacist says it is okay.
Not every medicine comes in these forms. But your pharmacist can help you find out what other forms you can get.
When in Doubt, Ask Your Pharmacist
Never guess when it comes to changing your medicine.
Before you cut, crush, chew, or open a pill, ask your pharmacist if it is safe.
A quick question can help make sure you get the right dose and that your medicine works the way it should.
Big pill? Small question? Mountain Care Pharmacy is here to help. Ask your pharmacist before you cut or crush!
