Can you cut fluvoxamine in half? (3+ factors to consider)
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 will discuss whether we can cut fluvoxamine in half or not. We will also discuss the possible reasons to cut a tablet in half, factors to consider before cutting fluvoxamine in half and alternative dosage forms if available.
Can you cut fluvoxamine in half?
Yes, fluvoxamine can be cut in half if you find it difficult to swallow as a whole. Scored tablets are available which are easier to cut or break into smaller doses as they have a visible mark or line indicating where they can be safely cut or divided. For example, some brands of mirtazapine, Lexapro and Paxil are scored and can be cut in half. (1,2)
It’s important to note that not all tablets are scored and attempting to cut or break them may result in uneven doses.
If you are having difficulty swallowing the tablets or have concerns about the dosage, your doctor may consider alternative formulations or medications that better suit your needs. (2)
What are the possible reasons for cutting fluvoxamine in half?
Potential reasons for cutting fluvoxamine tablets in half may include: (3)
Dosage adjustment:
Sometimes, your healthcare provider may prescribe a dose that is smaller than the tablets available. Cutting them in half could help get the right amount.
Difficulty swallowing:
If you have difficulty swallowing whole tablets, cutting them into smaller pieces may make it easier for you to take the medication.
It’s essential to note that all tablets are suitable for cutting and the decision to do so should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. Always follow the instructions and guidance of your healthcare provider. (3)
What factors you should consider before cutting fluvoxamine in half?
Before cutting fluvoxamine tablets in half, it is important to consider a few factors which may include: (4)
- Prescription instructions: Follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor regarding the dosage and administration of fluvoxamine. Cutting tablets should only be done if recommended by your doctor.
- Tablet characteristics: Check the tablets if they are scored (have a line down the middle), as scored tablets are designed to be cut more easily.
- Medication formulation: Consider the formulation of the fluvoxamine tablets. Extended-release or enteric-coated tablets should not be cut.
- Dosage accuracy: Cutting tablets can result in slight variations in dosage. Ensure that you can accurately cut the tablet into halves to maintain the prescribed dose.
- Ease of swallowing: If the reason for cutting the tablet is difficulty swallowing, explore alternative formulations or methods of administration with your doctor.
What are the risks associated with cutting fluvoxamine in half?
Cutting fluvoxamine tablets in half can have some risks and it’s important to know about them, these include: (5)
Dose inaccuracy: Cutting tablets may result in uneven halves, making it difficult to get accurate dosages. Variations in dosage could impact the effectiveness of medication. (5)
Loss of extended-release properties: If fluvoxamine tablets are extended-release or designed for gradual release in the body, cutting them may disrupt this mechanism and ultimately affect the desired therapeutic effect.
Risk of fragmentation: Tablets that are not designed to be split may break unevenly, leading to the risk of ingesting fragments or uneven portions of the medication.
Patient compliance: Cutting tablets might affect patient compliance, as it adds complexity to the dosing regimen. It makes it harder for some people to take the right amount, making it less likely to follow a doctor’s prescription.
What are the alternatives to cutting fluvoxamine?
If cutting fluvoxamine tablets is not a good option for you, there are other things to try: (6)
- Liquid formulation
- Different strength tablets
- Different medication form
- Compounded medication
- Discussing concerns with your doctor
Remember, it’s essential to talk openly to your healthcare provider about any challenges you face with your medication. They can work with you to find a suitable solution that ensures the effectiveness and safety of your treatment plan. (6)
Conclusion:
In this article, we have discussed cutting fluvoxamine tablets into half. We have also discussed the possible reasons for cutting it in half, what factors should be kept in consideration before cutting fluvoxamine and the alternative options.
In my opinion, the decision to cut fluvoxamine tablets requires careful consideration of potential risks and alternatives. While cutting may be an option for some, it’s important to prioritize open communication with your doctor.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
National Library of Medicine. Fluvoxamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [Internet] Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695004.html
2.-
van Santen E, Barends DM, Frijlink HW. Breaking of scored tablets: a review. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2002 Mar;53(2):139-45. doi: 10.1016/s0939-6411(01)00228-4. PMID: 11879995. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11879995/
3.-
Grissinger M. Tablet Splitting—Only If You “Half” To. P T. 2010 Feb;35(2):69–70. PMCID: PMC2827917. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2827917/
4.-
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Best Practices for Tablet Splitting. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/ensuring-safe-use-medicine/best-practices-tablet-splitting
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