Can You Cut Or Split Tylenol Caplets?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Tylenol caplets can be cut or split in half.
Can you cut Tylenol caplets in half?
Oct 24, 2022- You can split regular Tylenol caplets like Tylenol Extra Strength, but never split extended-release versions like Tylenol Arthritis. Use a pill splitter rather than a knife to get an even split and prevent the caplet from crumbling. Tylenol caplets have a wax or shellac coating that makes them slippery and difficult to cut accurately by hand.
Answer
Yes, Tylenol caplets can be cut or split, as long as they are not extended-release. For example, Tylenol Extra Strength caplets can be split, but, Tylenol Arthritis, which is extended-release, should not be cut or split.
It is important to note, however, that caplets can sometimes be difficult to accurately cut in half due to their shape and coating. For this reason, it is recommended to use a pill splitter, rather than a knife, to ensure the caplet doesn't crumble or break into multiple pieces and to ensure an even split.
Splitting Caplets Vs. Tablets
Tylenol comes in a number of different dosage forms, including:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Caplets
- Geltabs
- Gelcaps
This question asks specifically about a 'caplet'. A "caplet" simply refers to a capsule-shaped tablet.
Most caplets are "coated" with wax or other substance like gelatin or shellac. This can make the caplets more palatable as well as make them easier to swallow than conventional tablets.
The ingredients of Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets are as follows:
- Acetaminophen (active ingredient)
- Carnauba wax
- Corn starch
- FD&C red no. 40 aluminum lake
- Hypromellose
- Magnesium stearate
- Modified starch
- Polyethylene glycol
- Powdered cellulose
- Pregelatinized starch
- Propylene glycol
- Shellac glaze
- Sodium starch glycolate
- Titanium dioxide
As you can see, Tylenol caplets contain both wax and shellac, which makes them easier to swallow. As mentioned above, these coatings can sometimes make Tylenol caplets difficult to cut as they have a "slippery" surface. Be sure to use a sharp pill cutter to properly cut Tylenol caplets.
In the image above, you'll see the oblong shape and coated surface of Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg caplets. This is an example of a Tylenol caplet that can safely be split with a pill splitter.
Can You Crush Them?
Since Tylenol caplets are coated, if crushed, they can sometimes cause throat/GI irritation if swallowed this way because of the coating fragments. Having said this, crushing them won't alter how the drug is absorbed or works and is an option if you can't swallow pills (or halved pills).
Again, just make not sure to split extended-release Tylenol products (e.g. Tylenol Arthritis).
Final Words
I hope this answer helped! Reach back out anytime.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Extended-release
- A medication formulation designed to slowly release the drug into your body over an extended period of time rather than all at once.
- Caplet
- A tablet that is shaped like a capsule, typically oval or oblong in form.
- Pill splitter
- A small device specifically designed to cut pills or caplets in half evenly and safely.
- Dosage forms
- The different shapes and formats in which a medication is manufactured and delivered, such as tablets, capsules, or liquids.
- Coated
- Covered with a protective layer of material such as wax or shellac to make the pill easier to swallow or protect the stomach.
- Acetaminophen
- The active ingredient in Tylenol that reduces pain and fever.
- GI irritation
- Irritation or discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach and intestines.
- Shellac
- A natural resin coating applied to pills and caplets to make them easier to swallow and to protect the medication.
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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