Tablet splitting ‘inaccurate and dangerous’

Tablet splitting is a highly inaccurate and potentially dangerous practice, a new study has warned.

Belgian researchers found that the common practice of modifying tablets and pills, often used in nursing homes, could lead to inaccurate doses being given, with serious clinical consequences for the patient.

The research involved volunteers using different commonly-used techniques, including a knife, scissors and splitting device, to break tablets containing various medications. The results showed large deviations in the weight of the split tablets. 

The authors called on manufacturers to produce a wider range of tablet doses or liquid formulations, to avoid the need for tablet splitting.