Is it Safe to Split a Viagra Tablet?

Disclaimer: We are not encouraging customers to split pills; however, we know at times it can be necessary. We are here to give advice on how to do it safely. Customers should always follow their doctor’s advice and prescription.

When it comes to saving money on prescription medications, many consumers will give just about anything a try. While many doctors and health plans support the practice of splitting approved pills in half, approximately 8% of consumers still do so without their doctor’s consent. While there are many medications that can safely only be split into halves, it should not be split into thirds or quarters or smaller portions. There are some which should never be split—no matter how tight the budget. Doing so, could ultimately land you in the ER for a visit, or worse.

The only way to really know whether or not your doctor approves of splitting your tablets is to ask. However, with the proper prescription in place, you can save yourself a lot of money. Often a prescription for a medication is set, regardless of its dosage. So, if you get a prescription for 100mg Viagra for the same price as your prescribed 50mg Viagra, splitting it in half would result in 2x as many tablets (split in half) for the same price.

Can you safely split Viagra?

Generally speaking, erectile dysfunction medications, including Viagra, can be safely split. However, you do want to cut the pill properly—and a kitchen knife or scissors won’t do. You’ll want to invest in a quality pill cutter

Now, it’s important to note that just because a tablet is scored, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s meant to be split. Sometimes that split is simply for aesthetics. Consumer Reports has a pretty great quick-glance list of pill splitting candidates if you have others you’re wondering about.

Does pill splitting affect performance?

Depending on the pill you try to split, you can definitely impact its performance. Liquid gels, capsules, and tablets that crumble or have coating to protect your stomach should not be split in half for various reasons. Most of the time, it’s because there is no way of knowing whether or not you’re getting the same therapeutic dosage when split. But in the case of the protective coating, you can actually be exposing your stomach lining to harsh medications that can make you sick when not slow-released.

In the case of Viagra, because the medication is infused throughout the whole pill, it is a good candidate for splitting because each half will contain the same amount of medication. Because of this, splitting Viagra shouldn’t result in poor absorption or performance of the medication at all.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pill Splitting

If you’re thinking pill splitting is the right course of action for you, there are some do’s and don’ts you will want to keep top of mind. Failing to do so can cause more than just minor problems. In some cases, it could land you in the hospital. So, please keep all of these tips in mind before getting started:

• DO: Look over medication inserts.

If you’re wondering if your medication is a good candidate for pill splitting, you can look over the medication insert. Medications that are approved for splitting will often have the details right inside the pamphlet. Take the insert with you when you go in to talk to your doctor about your intention/desire to split your pills.

• DO: Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before splitting medications.

Because it can be difficult to determine if a medication can be split, or if you should even be doing it in your own personal case, it’s best to always consult your doctor and/or pharmacist before splitting your medications. They can give you some pro tips, as well as adjust your medication so when you split your tablet, you are still getting the properly prescribed therapeutic dosage.

• DO: Consider your limitations.

For some seniors and anyone with mobility issues in their hands, those with poor eyes, a disability or medical/mental condition that makes it difficult to maneuver tiny pills to be split, it can be dangerous to split tablets on your own. If you believe this is you, it might be wise to forego splitting tablets, or get someone who can help you with it.

• DO: Use a specialty pill splitter to cut your tablets.

These devices are especially designed to split pills without breakage or crumbling and to the accurate dosage per half. When you consult with your doctor, be sure to ask their advice on which pill splitter they would recommend. The website, Best Reviews, has some great comparisons, if you would like a place to start. We also recommend this pill splitter, which can be easily and affordably purchased from CanadaPharmacyOnline.com. Some local retail pharmacies also provide free pill splitters, so be sure to ask when you’re filling your prescription. Please note that pill cutters may have different shapes and sizes.

• DO: Split only one pill at a time, as you need it.

While it might seem like a time saver to go through your whole bottle at once, cutting a pill too soon can actually expose your medication to heat, moisture, and the air; which can cause the drug to deteriorate and lose its effectiveness. Be sure to only cut one tablet at a time and right before you need it. Reseal it back in the bottle it came from and make sure the lid is on tight.

• DO NOT: Assume a scored tablet can be split.

Some tablets are scored for aesthetic reasons only. Remember, do not split any tablet without first discussing the viability with your doctor. They will be able to determine whether or not you, or your medication, are a good fit for pill splitting.

• DO NOT: Split extended release or sustain release tablets.

Any medication that is time-released or dissolves at specific intervals cannot be effectively split in order to maintain their efficacy.

• DO NOT: Split combination medications.

If a tablet has a combination of medications mixed together, they are not good candidates for pill splitting. This is because there is no guarantee splitting the tablet will give you the correct split of active ingredients.

• DO NOT: Split coated tablets.

Coated tablets are specifically designed to be easier to swallow and gentler on your stomach. If you split open one of these pills, it leaves the severed edge open, nullifying the coating and making it more difficult to swallow and potentially harming your digestive system.

• DO NOT: Split capsules.

Capsuled medications have powder inside and cannot be split safely to maintain their efficacy and therapeutic dosage.

Order from Canada Pharmacy Online…

If you’ve talked to your doctor about pill splitting and they have prescribed a higher dosage (or if you need a lower dosage than the minimum), Canada Pharmacy Online is here to fill your prescription to make it even more affordable. In the case of Viagra, our pharmacy carries a variety of dosages in the name brand medication, as well as its generic equivalent, sildenafil. Here are some things you should know about filling your prescription with us:

• We will need a prescription from your doctor for the higher dose

• You can order a maximum quantity of a three-month supply, depending on the Rx

Pill splitting can certainly be a cost-saving method, when used appropriately, and under your doctor or pharmacist’s direction. Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications are typically suitable for splitting, as long as you don’t have a medical history that makes it questionable. If you want to get started with pill splitting a higher dose of Viagra, follow your doctor’s advice so you don’t overdose or underdose on the active ingredient. You can fill or refill your Viagra (and other prescriptions) with our easy online ordering system or by reaching out to us at 1-866-920-3784.

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