Can Elavil be cut in half?

Can Elavil be cut in half?

Elavil can be cut in half if you find it difficult to swallow the tablets whole. However, it is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist before you do so. 

Some Elavil tablets are coated and cutting them in half may make it difficult for you to take them. So it’s always best to discuss this with your healthcare professional.

Risks associated with cutting Elavil tablets

There is no potential health risk in cutting or splitting Elavil tablets. However, there are two main concerns. The first concern is maintaining dose uniformity. When you are cutting the tablets. You need to make sure that your two halves are exactly equal. 

Unequal tablet cutting can affect the uniformity of dose distribution and you may end up taking more or less than the prescribed dose. Since Elavil is an antidepressant, dose variation could be dangerous. Another concern is the damage you may cause to the film coating on the tablet. 

The coating can help mask the bitter taste of the drug and cutting it would make the med extremely unpleasant in taste and can leave a bad after-taste or burning sensation in your throat(1).

Alternatives to cutting Elavil

It is best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist for a suitable alternative to avoid cutting Elavil in half. If you can do so, your healthcare professional will guide you and define a proper way to cut the tablets in half to avoid any dangerous consequences.

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References

1.-

Sandoz Inc. Elavil (amitriptyline hydrochloride) tablets prescribing information [Internet]. Princeton (NJ): Sandoz Inc.; 2019. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/011530s045lbl.pdf

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