Can You Crush Zoloft (Sertraline) Tablets?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Zoloft (sertraline) tablets can be crushed.
Can you advise me if I am able to crush sertraline 100 mg tablets? I have to take 2 each day. I am recently finding it difficult to swallow or halve these tablets. I also have to take 40mg of pravastatin sodium. Can I crush these as well? Many thanks.
Oct 30, 2022- Zoloft tablets can be safely crushed and mixed with food or drink for easier administration. Sertraline capsules should never be opened or crushed, unlike the tablets. Avoid mixing crushed sertraline with grapefruit juice as it may increase drug levels in your body.
Answer
Zoloft (sertraline) tablets can safely be crushed and mixed with a food (e.g., pudding, applesauce) or a drink for immediate administration.
If you are having trouble swallowing the tablets, in addition to being able to crush them, they can also be split in half.
In fact, most generic sertraline tablets are scored down the middle, making them easier to split.
I do want to mention here that sertraline is also available in capsules in two different strengths:
- 150mg
- 200mg
Sertraline capsules should not be opened, split or crushed, but, again, doing so to the tablets is perfectly fine.
How To Take Crushed Sertraline Tablets
If you plan on mixing crushed sertraline tablets with liquid, you want to make sure not to use grapefruit juice.
Grapefruit juice can potentially inhibit the metabolism of sertraline, increasing concentrations of the drug, which could increase the risk of side effects. The clinical significance of this isn't well known, but, to be safe, don't take sertraline with grapefruit juice.
Alternatives To Crushing
Even though sertraline tablets can be safely crushed, you do have some alternative options.
As mentioned, the tablets can be split as well, which may make it easier to swallow compared to a whole tablet.
Additionally, sertraline is available as an oral solution in a concentration of 20mg/mL. It is a good alternative if you can't swallow solid dosage forms.
Final Words
You also mentioned pravastatin in your question. Those tablets are safe to crush as well.
I hope you found this helpful! Reach back out anytime.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Sertraline
- A medication used to treat depression and anxiety that belongs to a class of drugs called SSRIs.
- Scored
- Having a line or groove marked on a tablet to make it easier to split in half.
- Capsules
- Medication containers made of gelatin or other material that hold powdered or liquid drug inside a shell.
- Inhibit
- To slow down or prevent a process from happening.
- Metabolism
- The process by which your body breaks down and processes drugs or other substances.
- Concentrations
- The amount of a drug present in your blood or body at any given time.
- Oral solution
- Liquid medication that you swallow by mouth instead of taking it as a tablet or capsule.
- Dosage forms
- The different physical shapes and formats in which a medication is available, such as tablets, capsules, or liquids.
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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