Can You Split Edarbi Tablets In Half?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not Edarbi tablets can be split in half.
Can I split an Edarbi 40mg in half since it isn't available in a 20mg formulation? What about splitting Edarbyclor (40mg + chlorthalidone 25 mg) in half? My ideal regimen would be 20mg of Azilsartan and 12.5mg of chlorthalidone and neither is available in these dosages!
Aug 17, 2022- Edarbi tablets can be split in half safely because they are immediate-release formulations without special coatings that would be damaged by splitting. You should use a pill splitter with a sharp blade to ensure even halves since the tablets are not scored. Talk to your doctor before splitting your tablets to make sure the dose adjustment is appropriate for you.
Answer
Hello and thanks for reaching out to us! Even though Edarbi (azilsartan) tablets are not scored, they can safely be split or cut in half.
Splitting Edarbi Tablets
Edarbi tablets are an immediate-release drug formulation, and the drug is rapidly absorbed upon administration. The tablets have no modified/delayed/extended-release characteristics to them so splitting them will not change how the drug is absorbed or released. Additionally, the tablets do not contain any type of wax or film-coating and have not been reported to be irritating to the mouth or throat.
Since Edarbi tablets are not scored, it is highly recommended that you use a pill splitter with a sharp blade to ensure you are splitting the tablets into even halves.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before splitting your Edarbi tablets, however. The recommended dose of the drug is 40mg or 80mg once daily, and Edarbi is available in both of these strengths. It is important not to change the strength or amount of Edarbi you take unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Can You Split Edarbyclor?
Edarbyclor tablets contain two drugs, azilsartan, and chlorthalidone (a diuretic). Edarbyclor, like Edarbi, is an immediate-release formulation but, unlike Edarbi, Edarbyclor tablets are wax-coated. Splitting these tablets will destroy this wax-coating.
Below is an image of both Edarbi (on the left) and Edarbyclor (on the right). You can see the difference in how the tablets look.
If it can be avoided, Edarbyclor should not be split to retain this wax-coating, but they certainly could be if you and your doctor think it represents your best therapy choice. Again, splitting the tablets won't affect how the drug is absorbed or works in your body.
Final Words
As a final note, the diuretic (chlorthalidone) that is found in Edarbyclor can also be taken by itself if there needs to be an adjustment in the dose of this drug only. It is available in dosages of 15mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg.
Thanks again for your question and feel free to reach back out!
References & sources
- Edarbi Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
- Edarbyclor Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
- Azilsartan Monograph — ClinicalKey (Subscription Required)
- Azilsartan;Chlorthalidone Monograph — ClinicalKey (Subscription Needed)
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Immediate-release
- A drug formulation where the medication is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream right after you take it, rather than slowly over time.
- Modified-release
- A drug formulation designed to release medication slowly or at specific times in your body rather than all at once.
- Film-coating
- A thin protective layer applied to a tablet that can help protect the drug or mask its taste.
- Wax-coating
- A protective layer of wax applied to tablets to improve stability, hide bitter tastes, and make them easier to swallow.
- Diuretic
- A medication that increases the amount of water and salt removed from your body as urine, often used to help lower blood pressure.
- Azilsartan
- A blood pressure medication that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers.
- Chlorthalidone
- A diuretic medication used to help lower blood pressure by removing excess salt and water from the body.
- Formulation
- The specific way a medication is prepared and structured, including its form (tablet, capsule, liquid) and how it releases the drug.
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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