Exploring the Practice and Implications of Tablet Splitting in Pharmaceutical Care

Tablet splitting is a widely practised method for adjusting medication doses, reducing costs, and improving patient compliance. However, concerns regarding dose accuracy and content uniformity remain, especially for medications with a narrow therapeutic index, such as alprazolam. This study evaluates the weight variation, content uniformity, mechanical properties, and dissolution profiles of split alprazolam tablets. Scored and unscored alprazolam tablets were assessed using manual splitting and tablet cutters to determine the impact on dose accuracy. The results revealed significant variability in weight distribution and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) content, particularly in unscored tablets. Additionally, the splitting method and tablet formulation affected the fragmentation and loss of mass. These findings underscore the need for caution when splitting alprazolam tablets, as inconsistent dosing may impact therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. The study emphasises the importance of regulatory guidelines and patient education to ensure safe and effective tablet splitting practices.