Can You Crush Or Split Amoxicillin?

Answer

Hello and thanks for reaching out!

Yes, you can crush and split amoxicillin tablets, but you likely have better options available to you since amoxicillin comes in a variety of dosage forms that are easier to swallow than the tablets.

For example, amoxicillin is also available in the following dosage forms:

• Capsules
• Suspension
• Chew Tablets

All three of these are easier to swallow than the tablets, and you don't have to go through the activity of crushing the tablets and taking the powder (which can be messy).

Alternatives To amoxicillin Tablets

As mentioned, if you are having trouble swallowing amoxicillin tablets, I would recommend trying the capsules, chewable tablets, or suspension before resorting to crushing the (non-chewable) tablets. 

The capsules are easier to swallow than tablets and they can be opened and sprinkled onto food if you want to take the medication that way.

The suspension is in a liquid dosage form, which again, makes it easier to swallow than the tablet or capsule forms of the drug.

There is nothing wrong or dangerous with crushing amoxicillin tablets, but doing so is just a cumbersome activity and can get messy.

Additionally, amoxicillin tablets are not flavored and have a bitter taste to them. The chewable tablets are flavored and taste much better.

It generally makes more sense to use one of the alternative dosage forms that are readily available if swallowing the large tablets is an issue.

One Exception

There is one exception to what I have written above and it is regarding the drug Moxatag.

Moxatag is an extended-release form of amoxicillin that is not widely prescribed.

Nevertheless, since it is an extended-release dosage form, you should not cut, split, crush or otherwise alter the tablet.

Watch Out For Augmentin

Finally, I want to point out that Augmentin, which is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, should not be crushed, as it is an extended-release product.

Sometimes generic Augmentin is referred to as 'amoxicillin' so I just wanted to be sure and clarify to not crush it.

Final Words

Thanks again for your question and please reach back out if anything else comes up!