Can fluoxetine tablets be cut in half? (+3 concerns)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we are going to discuss whether it is possible to cut fluoxetine tablets in half, the purpose of cutting fluoxetine tablets in half, common risks and concerns about splitting fluoxetine tablets in half, and the alternatives to cutting fluoxetine tablets in half.
Can fluoxetine tablets be cut in half?
Yes, you can cut fluoxetine tablets in half, but only with your healthcare provider’s approval. There are many strengths of fluoxetine, and the strength can affect the size and form of the tablets. (1)
Certain fluoxetine tablets are scored, which makes it simpler and easier to cut them in half because they have a line down in the middle. You might need to use a sharp knife or a pill cutter to cut your tablets equally if they aren’t scored.
It is important to note that not all tablets can be divided in half, doing so may change how the drug is absorbed by the body and result in unfavorable side effects. Always heed the advice of your physician, and only break the tablets as directed.
What is the purpose of cutting fluoxetine tablets in half?
The purpose of cutting fluoxetine tablets in half is to reduce your medication dose. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of MDD (Major Depressive Disorder).
Fluoxetine belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). It functions by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. (2)
The dosage of fluoxetine that is typically prescribed ranges from 10 mg to 60 mg, based on the severity of the ailment being treated and the patient’s reaction to the drug. An individual can take a smaller dose by dividing the tablet in half, which has several advantages such as: (3)
- Reducing the possibility of adverse effects, which may occur frequently at larger doses.
- Gradually reducing the dosage, which may be required to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
- Determining the individual’s lowest effective dose, which can assist in cutting expenses and reduce the chance of adverse effects.
It’s crucial to remember that cutting fluoxetine tablets as well as other tablets that can be cut such as desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and Trazodone should only be done under your healthcare provider’s supervision.
What are the common risks and concerns about cutting fluoxetine tablets?
There are common risks and concerns about splitting fluoxetine tablets in half. Examples include: (4), (5)
- Dosage irregularities (uneven dosages) may arise by splitting the tablet, which could have unanticipated negative consequences or result in an inefficient course of treatment.
- Cutting certain tablets could interfere with their ability to release the drug gradually.
- Certain individuals may not adhere to taking fluoxetine as directed if they have trouble cutting the tablet regularly, such as patients with poor eyesight or tremors.
- If the fluoxetine tablet is not cut precisely, certain individuals could unintentionally take more medication doses, which could have detrimental repercussions.
- Miscommunication between the pharmacist and your physician. For example, your physician might prescribe 1/2 fluoxetine pill to be taken, and your pharmacist may read it as 1-2 pills of fluoxetine.
- You may face problems with crushed fluoxetine tablets if they turn into powder. It will be quite difficult to divide the fluoxetine powder into 2 equal halves.
Alternatives to cutting fluoxetine tablets
Here are some alternatives if you don’t feel comfortable about cutting your fluoxetine tablets:
- Request fluoxetine in a liquid formulation from your healthcare provider or pharmacist. This makes it easier to measure the appropriate dosage of fluoxetine.
- Consult your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking fluoxetine at a reduced dosage.
- Consult your healthcare provider about switching your antidepressant to one that has similar functions as fluoxetine but comes in more convenient dosage forms.
Based on my knowledge and research, fluoxetine tablets can be cut in half. However, if you are not comfortable about cutting your fluoxetine tablet, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your dose or switching to an alternative with the desired concentration without the need to cut or split your fluoxetine tablet.
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References
1.-
MEDICATION GUIDE FLUOXETINE TABLETS [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 21]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/202133s000medg.pdf
2.-
Fluoxetine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. 2022. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html#:~:text=Fluoxetine%20is%20used%20to%20treat,and%20worry%20about%20these%20attacks).
3.-
How and when to take fluoxetine [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fluoxetine-prozac/how-and-when-to-take-fluoxetine/#:~:text=The%20usual%20dose%20of%20fluoxetine
4.-
Griffin RM. Pill Splitting: When Is It Safe? [Internet]. WebMD. [cited 2023 Nov 21]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/pill-splitting-when-is-it-safe-when-is-it-unsafe
5.-
Tips to Save Money on Prescription Drugs [Internet]. WebMD. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/guide-to-pill-splitting
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