How to Cut a Pill: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Cut a Pill: 10 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Cut a Pill: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Cut a Pill: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Cut a Pill: 10 Steps (with Pictures)
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Cutting pills in half is a very common and easy practice to do using a pill cutter. Sometimes doctors can prescribe a drug that needs to be cut in half to get the right dose, while sometimes cutting a pill twice the right dose can cut the cost of medication in half. Even though it's possible to cut pills without a specially made cutter, it's always best to use one to ensure you're getting the right dose of medication.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Checking whether pills can be cut

Cut Pills Step 1
Cut Pills Step 1

Step 1. See if the tablets have a mark in the middle

Generally, tablets that can be cut in half will have a mark in the center to indicate the best cut point. If you want to be sure, read the package insert. There you will find this type of information.

If the package insert indicates that the pill can be cut, it means that the halves will provide relatively equal amount of medication

Cut Pills Step 2
Cut Pills Step 2

Step 2. Avoid cutting off delayed-release, long-lasting or containing a mixture of active ingredients

If the tablets have the features described above or have an outer covering to protect your stomach, they are generally not safe to cut. Do not cut chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners.

If the pills fall apart easily, don't try to cut them up, as this poses a risk of changing the number of active ingredients in each dose. If a pill breaks up and is not a crucial medication, mix the pieces with applesauce or jelly and consume half the content

Cut Pills Step 3
Cut Pills Step 3

Step 3. Ask the doctor or pharmacist if the pills can be cut

Talk to a health care provider about the type of medication you are using and how best to cut your pills. Sometimes doctors can prescribe drugs that have twice the dose you need to cut the cost in half.

Cut Pills Step 4
Cut Pills Step 4

Step 4. Follow the prescribed dose exactly

If the pills are twice the dose that was prescribed for you, cut each one in half before taking. It can be easy to forget how much to take in the case of half doses, so consume only the dose that was prescribed.

  • Leaving the pill cutter next to the medicine helps as a visual reminder to cut the pills in half before taking them.
  • Put a note on the medicine package to remember to cut the pills in half.

Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right cutter

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Step 1. Choose a standard cutter if you want an inexpensive option

Most cutters are made of plastic and have a blade on top of two triangular-shaped upside-down plastic pieces where the pill is to be placed. This typical model can be found in pharmacies and is cheap and easy to use. Try to find a cutter that has rubber-covered plastic inside to hold the tablet in place while cutting.

Keep the tablet cutter away from small children, as they can accidentally cut themselves with the blade

Cut Pills Step 6
Cut Pills Step 6

Step 2. Choose a universal or multi-size cutter if the tablets are large or unusually shaped

Many of these cutters come with a movable circular compartment with different sized openings for pills or with parts with different sized holes that can be exchanged. This is a good option if you need to cut different types of pills regularly.

Some public hospitals will give the pill cutter or crusher along with the medication. This will depend on availability and there is no guarantee that this device will be provided

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Step 3. Buy a universal tablet cutter and crusher for versatility

If some of your medication needs to be cut off and other pills need to be crushed, consider getting a device that does both. These cutters usually have a lid with a blade on top and a separate area to grind tablets underneath.

Importantly, pill cutters have sharp blades on the inside, so you may not be allowed to carry them in your luggage when traveling. If you're going on a trip, leave the cutter in your carry-on bag or cut your pills before you go. Store cut tablets in a suitable medicine container

Part 3 of 3: Cutting Your Pills

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Step 1. Place a length inside the notched edges of the cutter

Some pill cutters have two plastic pieces creating a triangle and an opening facing away from you. Place the tablet between the two pieces and press the plastic forward towards the blade. In others, the pieces open towards you and you just need to place the tablet between them so that it touches both sides.

  • Try to align the tablet so that the middle of the tablet is aligned with the center of the cutter. This will help ensure that the blade cuts the tablet exactly in half.
  • On cutters for tablets of various shapes, find the opening that best fits the shape of the tablet and place it inside.
  • If you are going to use a specially designed cutter to cut several pills at once, you can put as many as you need and cut them together, rather than one at a time.
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Step 2. Press the cutter firmly until the lid closes completely

Try to keep the cutter still while pushing the cap down to ensure the tablet doesn't move before you cut it. Close the lid all the way so that the blade splits the entire tablet.

  • Most cutters have a compartment to catch the halves of the tablet after cutting. Shake the cutter a little before opening it so that the tablet falls into this compartment.
  • Be careful not to put your hand on the blade when opening the cutter to pick up the medicine.
  • If you want to cut a large pill into four pieces, just line up the halves you just cut inside the cutter as best you can and repeat the process.
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Step 3. Take the cut tablet out of the cutter and ingest as per your doctor's instructions

Store the other half in the medicine package or in a container. Take the remaining half of the tablet when it is time to take another dose instead of cutting another tablet.

Try to cut the pill just before taking it

Tips

  • Put the tablet in a spoon and press it using another to crush it if you don't have a crusher.
  • Ask your doctor if you can take a pediatric dose if the normal-sized tablet is too large.
  • Open a capsule tablet, pour its contents into a small container and take half.

Notices

  • Make sure it is safe to cut the tablet in question and always discuss this with a doctor before doing so.
  • There is always a risk of taking the wrong dose when cutting a pill.
  • Follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions exactly to make sure you are taking the right dose.
  • Always be careful when handling a pill cutter and avoid touching the sharp blade.
  • Wash hands before handling medication.
  • Clean the pill cutter with a cloth or paper towel if you are going to use it for different remedies.

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