Oral medication administration: implications caused by capsule splitting.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate that capsule splitting does not result in an equal quantity of drug in both parts of the capsule, affecting the dosage of the drug.


METHODS
Descriptive nonexperimental study.


METHODS
Glen Burnie, MD, from May 2007 to May 2008.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
At varying times, three student pharmacists (two from the University of Maryland and one from Creighton University) filled and packed 62 capsules ranging in size from #4 to #000 using bulk powder. Each capsule was weighed and then split. The capsule split was also weighed, as well as the amount of powder found in each portion of the capsule. Statistical analyses were performed, including t test, standard error, and relative error.


METHODS
Whether after splitting a capsule the top of the capsule supplies less of the drug and the base of the capsule more of the drug, leading to non-weight uniformity of splitting capsules.


RESULTS
The weight of the base of the capsule powder was always more than the weight of the top portion of the capsule. Capsule size #1 showed the most deviation and capsule size #4 the least deviation between the top and bottom of the capsule.


CONCLUSIONS
Capsules should not be ordered to be split because the base of the capsule holds more of the drug powder than that of the top of the capsule. This study infers that the patient would receive approximately 75% of the dose when given the base of the capsule and about 25% of the dose when given the top of the capsule.
Caldwell
Sarah Mae
SM
Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA.
Raitt
Jacob R
JR
D000284:Administration, Oral; D002214:Capsules / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D004339:Drug Compounding
D002214:Capsules