Posted by psyclist on November 11, 2008, at 15:08:09
In reply to Re: Pill-cutter, posted by qbsbrown on November 11, 2008, at 14:30:58
> Just spoke with the pharmacist and said i can't cut.
>
> Perhaps I will try the 900, but spread em out in 3 doses and perhaps avoid those side effects.
>
> Regards,
>
> BrianHi Brian
The pharmacist should know but I had a look in Wikepedia and they say this:
"Sustained-release tablets are formulated so that the active ingredient is embedded in a matrix of insoluble substance (various: some acrylics, even chitin, these are often patented) so that the dissolving drug has to find its way out through the holes in the matrix. In some SR formulations the matrix physically swells up to form a gel, so that the drug has first to dissolve in matrix, then exit through the outer surface."
I guess it all depends on the scale of the matrix. If it is molecular then there should be no harm in cutting. But if it is bigger, i.e. visible to the naked eye, then I guess you can't cut. I suspect pharmacists as a breed are inherently against cutting tablets. They would prefer that you buy the custom size. They make more money that way. Maybe he is getting confused with Controlled Release where I believe the active ingredient is coated with something that only breaks down when the active ingredient has been delivered to the site where it will act. It may be worthwhile asking some of the more knowledgeable bods on the board.
Regards
Alan
poster:psyclist
thread:861762
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081106/msgs/862341.html