Can You Crush Or Split Amlodipine Tablets?

Answer

Thank you for your question! Amlodipine tablets can be safely split or crushed, even though the tablets do not have a 'score' mark.

Crushing or splitting the tablets will not affect their efficacy or how the drug works because they are not specially coated or modified-release in any way (i.e., they are immediate-release tablets).

As mentioned above, it's worth noting that amlodipine tablets are not scored. If you plan to split the tablets, you should use a pill splitter to ensure a precise cut.

Using a knife may result in an uneven split and uneven doses, and some of the medication may be lost as unusable powder. If you opt to crush the tablets, use a dedicated tablet crusher or a small bowl/vessel to capture all of the tablet powder.

Below are several examples of generic amlodipine tablets and one example of what the brand name Norvasc tablets looks like. You'll notice none of the tablets are scored.

Other Thoughts From The Pharmacist

In regard to splitting or crushing medications in general, as a rule of thumb, most medications that are not extended-release, delayed-release, or otherwise contraindicated for splitting or crushing can be safely divided or crushed.

However, there are exceptions, such as drugs with enteric coating or those that may irritate the stomach or throat. Some crushed medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can also pose a hazard to handlers.

Therefore, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to confirm whether a medication can be safely split or crushed before doing so.

Additionally, you should not crush or split all of your medication at one time and store for later use as this may shorten the shelf-life of the drug. It should be done on a per-dose basis.

Lastly, it's important to avoid changing your medication regimen or dose without consulting your doctor first.

Final Words

If you have any questions or concerns about splitting or crushing your medication, please don't hesitate to contact us or refer to our 'Do Not Crush' list for reference. Thank you for reaching out to us!