Concerns Splitting Clarithromycin 500mg Tablets

Answer

Hello and thanks for reaching out! In a pinch, you could split your clarithromycin 500 mg tablets, but it’s not ideal based on the film-coating the tablets have.

Clarithromycin 500 mg tablets with the imprint “D 63” are not extended-release or modified-release, so splitting them won’t interfere with any time-based drug delivery. However, they are film-coated, and that coating is there for a reason:

• It helps mask the bitter taste of the medication
• It improves ease of swallowing
• It protects the drug from moisture and light
• It helps ensure consistent absorption

In addition, your clarithromycin tablets are not scored, meaning they aren't designed to be split. Here's an image of the tablets:

The lack of a score could make them tough to break evenly (especially with the film coating).

If you’re trying to get a 250 mg dose, you have some options. Clarithromycin is available as a 250 mg tablet and also as a liquid suspension. Either of those would be a better choice than cutting a 500 mg tablet.

That said, if you find yourself in a situation where you really do need to split the 500 mg tablets, for example, if you already have it in hand and can’t swallow it whole, I do have a couple of tips for you:

• Use a clean, sharp pill splitter for the best chance at an even cut
• Don’t split all the tablets at once, only split right before taking
• Don’t store split halves for long, as the exposed interior may degrade faster without the film coating
• Take both halves at the same time to ensure you’re getting the full dose

So overall, yes, you can split it in a pinch, but if you can get the 250 mg tablet or liquid instead, that’s the better route.

Thanks for contacting us!