From the Guidelines
No, Nifedipine Extended Release (ER) 24-hour tablets should not be cut in half. These tablets are specifically designed with a special delivery system that gradually releases the medication over a 24-hour period to maintain consistent blood pressure control. Cutting these tablets damages this delivery mechanism and can cause two serious problems:
- first, it may release too much medication at once (dose dumping), potentially causing dangerous drops in blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting;
- second, it disrupts the intended 24-hour coverage, leaving you unprotected from blood pressure spikes. If you're having difficulty with your current dose, consult your healthcare provider who can prescribe a different strength of the medication or an alternative formulation. Nifedipine is also available in immediate-release capsules that can be prescribed at different dosages if needed. Never modify extended-release medications without medical guidance as this can significantly alter how the medication works in your body 1.
Some key points to consider when taking Nifedipine Extended Release (ER) 24-hour tablets include:
- The medication should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider, without modifying the tablet in any way.
- If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you should consult your healthcare provider for alternative options.
- Nifedipine Extended Release (ER) 24-hour tablets are designed to provide consistent blood pressure control over a 24-hour period, and cutting the tablet can disrupt this control.
- The potential risks of cutting the tablet, including dose dumping and disrupted 24-hour coverage, can be serious and should be avoided.
It's also important to note that while the provided evidence does not directly address the question of cutting Nifedipine Extended Release (ER) 24-hour tablets, the principles of pharmacology and the design of extended-release medications support the conclusion that cutting these tablets is not recommended 1. In clinical practice, it's essential to prioritize the safety and efficacy of medications, and modifying extended-release medications without medical guidance can compromise these principles 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Nifedipine extended-release tablets are an extended release tablet and should be swallowed whole and taken on an empty stomach It should not be administered with food. Do not chew, divide or crush tablets.
The Nifedipine ER, 24 hour tablet should not be cut in half and taken, as the drug label explicitly states that the tablets should be swallowed whole and not divided or crushed 2.
From the Research
Nifedipine ER Tablet Administration
- The provided studies do not directly address whether Nifedipine ER, 24-hour tablets can be cut in half and taken.
- However, the studies discuss the efficacy and administration of Nifedipine in various formulations, including extended-release tablets 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The extended-release formulation of Nifedipine is designed to provide a relatively constant concentration profile over 24 hours when taken once daily 6.
- Cutting the tablet in half may alter the release characteristics of the medication, potentially affecting its efficacy and safety.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support or refute the practice of cutting Nifedipine ER, 24-hour tablets in half and taking them.
- It is essential to consult the prescribing information or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the proper administration of Nifedipine ER, 24-hour tablets 4, 6.