From the Research
Most amlodipine tablets can be safely split in half, but it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first, especially for extended-release or special formulations. Amlodipine, commonly sold under brand names like Norvasc, is typically available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablets, and many formulations have a score line specifically designed to help with splitting 1. This can be useful if your doctor has prescribed a dose between the standard tablet strengths or if you need to adjust your dose. When splitting tablets, use a pill cutter rather than a knife or scissors to ensure an even split and accurate dosing.
Important Considerations
- Extended-release or special formulations of amlodipine should not be split as this could alter how the medication is released in your body 2.
- The ability to split amlodipine relates to its pharmacology - as a calcium channel blocker with a long half-life, small variations in dose that might occur with splitting generally won't significantly impact its effectiveness in controlling blood pressure or treating angina 3.
- It's essential to discuss medication administration with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to clarify the dosing schedule and ensure you're taking the medication correctly 2.
Key Points to Remember
- Always consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before splitting any medication to confirm it's appropriate for your specific prescription.
- Use a pill cutter for splitting tablets to ensure accuracy and safety.
- Be aware of the formulation of your amlodipine tablets to avoid splitting extended-release or special formulations.