ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To analyse the advantages and disvantages of split tablets given to in-patients.METHODS:We collected13kinds of oral tablets(10tablets each kind and260pieces of the split tablet altogether),which were often splitted by pharmaceutists.We tested and analysed the weight variation of the split tablet on the basis of the dosage consistency metioned in the USP which is applied to the whole tablet.RESULTS:None of the13kinds of prescription drug passed the consistent testing after splitting.There was some relationship between the effect of the split tablet and its shape.It was relatively easy to break off the tablet with nick in half.The loss of dosage inevitably occurred during the process of splitting the tablet.CONCLUSION:Breaking off the tablet in half led to high ratio of weight variation.The modus operandi of splitting the tablet in half for saving expenses can only be applied to those drugs with low toxicities and relatively flat dose-effect curve.In the case of those drugs which bear high toxicities and steep dose-effect curve,carefulness should always be taken when applying such method.