Can You Crush Or Split Singulair Tablets?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not Singulair tablets can safely be crushed or split.
I take Singulair and I think it would be easier for me to take them if I could crush them. Can I?
Mar 29, 2023- Singulair tablets can be safely crushed or split since they are immediate-release and don't have special properties affected by crushing. If you need to split a tablet, use a pill splitter since the tablets are not scored for even breaking. Singulair also comes in chewable tablets and granules that may be easier to take depending on your dose.
Answer
Great question! Yes, you can safely crush (or split) Singulair (montelukast) tablets, but you may not have to as Singulair comes in a variety of dosage forms, including chewable tablets and granules.
Singulair Tablets Can Be Crushed Or Split
You don't mention in your question what strength of Singulair you are taking, but the tablets come in:
- 5mg
- 10mg
Either of these can safely be crushed or split. The tablets are 'immediate-release' and don't contain any special properties where crushing or splitting them would affect the medication in any way.
However, if you are looking to split them, it is important to note that the tablets are not scored, so it is highly recommended you use a pill splitter to ensure an even cut (below is an image of a few generic Singulair tablets to show how they are not scored).
Other Singulair Dosage Form Options
As mentioned, if you are considering crushing Singulair tablets (which is safe to do), I would encourage you to look at the other options available to you. Singulair is also available as:
- 4mg Chewable Tablets
- 5mg Chewable Tablets
- 4mg Granules
Again, I don't know what dose you are taking, and if you are taking a 10mg dose, there is no direct alternative to that (aside from taking 2 of the 5mg chewable tablets).
However, if you are taking a lower dose, it may be prudent to just consider taking one of the alternatives I've listed above.
The chewable tablets are easy to take and are flavored.
The granules can be put directly into your mouth, or mixed with soft food, such as applesauce or ice cream.
Final Words
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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Montelukast
- The generic chemical name for the medication sold under the brand name Singulair, used to treat asthma and allergies.
- Chewable tablets
- Tablets designed to be chewed rather than swallowed whole, often flavored and easier for some patients to take.
- Granules
- Small particles of medication that can be taken directly by mouth or mixed into food rather than swallowed as a solid tablet.
- Immediate-release
- A medication formulation that releases the drug into your body right away rather than slowly over time.
- Scored
- Having a line or groove pressed into a tablet to make it easier to split into smaller doses.
- Pill splitter
- A small device designed to cut tablets evenly in half to help ensure accurate dosing.
- Dosage form
- The physical shape and type in which a medication is prepared, such as a tablet, capsule, liquid, or granules.
- Strength
- The amount of active medication contained in a single dose or tablet, measured in milligrams (mg).
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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