How to Split Metoprolol Succinate ER Tablets

All metoprolol succinate extended release tablets are manufactured with a line down the middle. These scored tablets are easy to split with the right equipment or by hand.



Patients may take one metoprolol tablet and split another to ingest a higher dose. This is beneficial if a patient needs 75 mg of metoprolol, as it is not manufactured in this strength. Splitting a tablet to take one half is also useful to begin medication therapy with the lowest possible dose in order to measure a patient's response to the drug.

Things You'll Need

• Pill splitter

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Instructions

• 1

  Buy a tablet splitter or pill cutting box from a pharmacy. These boxes have a blade and a storage compartment. Patients who try to cut scored tablets with a kitchen knife may find that one half flies off and gets lost. The storage compartment provided by the pill cutting box prevents medication loss.

• 2

  Balance the metoprolol succinate extended release tablet in the groove of the pill cutting box and close the top half. The built-in blade will cut the tablet in half along the scored line. Cut the tablet in one quick motion to prevent crumbling.

• 3

  Open the box and take out the half-pill you want to ingest. You may leave the other half in the storage compartment if you wish. If you do so, secure the box in a clean, dry place as moisture can cause the pill to disintegrate.