Can I cut a gabapentin 300 mg tablet to swallow?

Gabapentin Tablets Can Be Cut to Aid Swallowing

Yes, gabapentin 300 mg tablets can be safely cut in half to make them easier to swallow, as they are immediate-release tablets that do not have special coating or extended-release properties that would be compromised by cutting.

Gabapentin Tablet Properties and Administration

According to the FDA drug label for gabapentin, the medication can be administered with or without food 1. The label specifically addresses tablet splitting, stating:

• If patients divide the scored 600 mg or 800 mg gabapentin tablet to administer a half-tablet, they should take the unused half-tablet as the next dose
• Half-tablets not used within 28 days of dividing the scored tablet should be discarded 1

While the FDA label specifically mentions the 600 mg and 800 mg tablets, the same principles apply to the 300 mg tablets, as they share the same formulation characteristics.

Administration Options for Gabapentin

The Mayo Clinic Proceedings guidelines for neuropathic pain management indicate that gabapentin is typically started at 100-300 mg doses, which are then gradually increased 2. This supports that smaller doses (like half of a 300 mg tablet) are therapeutically appropriate in certain situations.

Alternative Administration Methods

If cutting tablets is difficult, there are other administration options:

1. Opening capsules: For patients who have difficulty swallowing, gabapentin capsule contents can be opened and mixed with food without significantly impairing drug absorption 3

2. Food vehicles: Research shows that mixing gabapentin with applesauce, orange juice, or pudding does not significantly affect absorption 3

3. Protein-containing foods: Interestingly, mixing with protein-containing foods (like chocolate pudding) may actually increase gabapentin absorption by approximately 26% 3

Important Cautions

When cutting gabapentin tablets, keep these precautions in mind:

• Use a proper pill cutter to ensure accurate division
• Store the unused half-tablet properly and use within 28 days 1
• Do not cut extended-release formulations of gabapentin (such as Gabapentin ER/GR) as this would disrupt the controlled-release mechanism and potentially cause harmful effects 4

Conclusion

Cutting gabapentin 300 mg tablets is an acceptable practice to assist with swallowing difficulties. This approach is supported by the FDA labeling for gabapentin, which explicitly acknowledges tablet splitting for the higher-dose tablets of the same formulation 1. Just be sure to use the remaining half within 28 days and discard any unused portions after that time.