Azithromycin Tablet Splitting

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not azithromycin tablets can be cut or split in half.

Jul 21, 2018

Sam asked

I was recently prescribed azithromycin tablets. Even though they are pretty small, I wanted to know if they can be split

Answer

Yes, azithromycin tablets may be safely cut or split in half if necessary. In fact, it's a common need for many individuals who have difficulty swallowing or need to administer the medication via a feeding tube.

When splitting tablets, it is important to use a pill cutter to ensure an even split and avoid crumbling. If you are not taking both halves at once, be sure to take the second-half for your next dose as it no longer will have the protective coating, making it more susceptible to environmental factors that can accelerate breakdown, such as moisture. 

Lastly, if you do not want to split azithromycin tablets, it is available in a liquid suspension dosage form, which allows you to easily measure your prescribed dose. 

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