Can You Cut Or Split Sertraline Tablets?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Zoloft (sertraline) tablets can safely be cut.
I take 50mg sertraline. Can I split the pill in half and take them together for easier swallowing?
Sep 27, 2022- Sertraline tablets at all strengths (25mg, 50mg, and 100mg) are safe to split.
- It's best to split your tablet only when you're ready to take it rather than ahead of time to avoid exposure to moisture and heat.
- Always check with your pharmacist before splitting any medication since not all tablets can be safely divided.
Answer
Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant used in the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Sertraline 50mg is a scored tablet that can be split. All other strengths of sertraline (25mg, 100mg) are safe to split as well.
It is perfectly fine, and safe, to split your sertraline tablet and then swallow both halves. Remember that it is always a good idea to check with your pharmacist before splitting a medication since not all tablets can be split. Some general information on tablet splitting can be found below.
Tablet Splitting: General Information
There are several considerations to take into account before splitting a tablet. In general, tablets that have the following characteristics should not be split:
- Time released tablets
- Film-coated tablets
- Combination products
- Odd shaped tablets
- Tablets that crumble when cut
- Capsules
Tablets that are scored, in general, can be split. The FDA lists some things to keep in mind when splitting a tablet include:
- Tablet splitters are a good tool to use but will not work well for all tablets, especially small tablets.
- Tablets should only be split at the time they are needed. Splitting the tablet before it is needed will possibly expose tablets to unnecessary moisture, heat and other conditions.
- If the manufacturer of the tablet changes, check with your pharmacist to see if splitting the tablet is still advisable.
Tablet splitting can be a good way to help patients that have difficulty swallowing. If a tablet cannot be split, talk to your pharmacist about other options like liquids or alternative drugs that may be easier to swallow.
As stated at the beginning of this answer, Zoloft (sertraline) tablets are safe to split.
Final Words
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Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Antidepressant
- A medication used to treat depression and certain other mental health conditions by affecting brain chemicals that influence mood.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- A mental health condition characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts and urges to perform certain behaviors.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- A severe form of premenstrual syndrome involving significant mood and physical symptoms before menstruation.
- Social anxiety disorder
- A mental health condition involving intense fear or anxiety in social situations.
- Scored tablet
- A tablet that has a groove or line pressed into it to make it easier to split into smaller doses.
- Time released tablets
- Tablets designed to release medication slowly over a period of time rather than all at once.
- Film-coated tablets
- Tablets covered with a thin protective layer that can be damaged by splitting.
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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