Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes, patient acceptance, and economic effect associated with tablet splitting.
Data sources: PubMed (1966-June 2011) and International Pharmaceutical Abstract (1975-June 2011) searches were conducted using tablet splitting as the search terms.
Study selection: All studies that evaluated the clinical outcome (n = 4), patient acceptance (n = 5), and economic effects (n = 8) of tablet splitting were included.
Data extraction: The American Pharmacists Association guidelines, recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration, and clinical trial data were evaluated.
Data synthesis: The majority of trials conducted evaluating clinical outcomes associated with tablet splitting were evaluated in patients receiving statins and antihypertensives. Clinical outcomes associated with risperidone were assessed. No adverse clinical outcomes were observed with therapy. Most studies evaluating the economic effects of tablet splitting have revealed a cost savings associated with this process; however, many studies were subject to limitations. The first part of this two-part series reviewed the weight and content uniformity in tablet splitting.
Conclusion: Tablet splitting does not seem to significantly affect clinical outcomes related to management of hypertension, cholesterol, or psychiatric disorders, nor influence overall patient adherence.