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.

Question

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!

Asked by Lydgate On Aug 17, 2022

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Aug 17, 2022
Last updated Mar 28, 2024

Key points

  • Edarbi tablets are immediate-release and do not have any type of special coating. They can be cut or split if necessary but this should only be done if directed by your doctor.
  • Be sure to use a pill splitter with a sharp blade to ensure tablets are evenly split.
  • Edarbyclor tablets are wax-coated, which may make them difficult to split, and will ruin the coating. They can be split if necessary but ideally, should be taken whole.

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.

Edarbi and Edarbyclor Next to each other

Wax coatings are added to drug tablets for a variety of reasons, such as to improve stability, mask a bitter taste, and make them easier to swallow. The wax-coating on Edarbyclor doesn't alter how the drug is released from the tablets but will make them harder to cut evenly, and, will of course destroy the wax-coating.

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

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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