title: Clinical inquiries. Which medications can be split without compromising efficacy and safety?
abstract: Split tablets of lisinopril are as effective as whole tablets of the same dose for hypertension (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, based on small randomized crossover study). Similarly, split tablets of atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin are no less effective for lowering cholesterol (SOR: B, based on retrospective cohort studies). Extended-release, enteric-coated, or tablets that cannot be split accurately are not appropriate for splitting (SOR: C, based on observational studies); the accuracy of splitting also depends on device used and user skill (SOR: C, based on observational study).
authors.affiliation: St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, NY, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Noviasky
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: Diane D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Luft
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saseen
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017046:Cost Savings; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000191:economics; D016527:Drug Costs; D006801:Humans; D013607:Tablets / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics
chemical_list: D013607:Tablets