Can You Split Seroquel Tablets?

Answer

Thank you for reaching out to us! We appreciate you taking the time to ask your question.

There is no specific direction or guidance in the FDA-approved prescribing information for Seroquel (quetiapine) immediate release (IR) 400 mg tablets regarding splitting or cutting them.

Generally, immediate-release medications like Seroquel can be cut without affecting their efficacy, but it is important to note that Seroquel immediate-release tablets are film-coated, so it's important to consider the implications of breaking the film coating.

Additionally, as a side note, I do want to mention that Seroquel does come in an 'XR' version, which should not be cut.

Concerns With Cutting Film-Coated Tablets

The film coating on Seroquel immediate-release tablets serves several purposes:

• Taste Masking: The coating helps mask the bitter taste of the medication.
• Protection: It shields the tablet from moisture and light, which extends its shelf life.
• Ease of Swallowing: The smooth coating makes the tablet easier to swallow.

Cutting the tablet will destroy the film coating, which might result in a bitter taste and could make the tablet more susceptible to environmental factors like moisture. However, as mentioned, altering the film coating does not typically affect the immediate-release properties of the medication itself.

Alternative Options

If you find the 400 mg tablet difficult to swallow or need to adjust your dose, you might consider taking two 200 mg tablets instead.

Seroquel IR is available in multiple strengths, including 200 mg tablets, which can provide the same total dosage without the need to cut the tablets and compromise the film coating.

Final Words

It's always best to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to how you take your medication. They can provide personalized advice and may offer alternatives that better suit your needs.

I hope you found this helpful, and feel free to reach out with any other questions.