how deo you breaked a timed released pill and it still be a timed released pill?

Question

I was told that once you break a timed released pill that it is no longer a timed released pill...

Answer 1

A timed- released capsule means that the med is dissolved and absorbed at a certain rate.. When the capsule is broken, then the bio-availability of the med changes. It would dissolve and be absorbed at a faster rate.and at a stronger dosage. instead of low dosage levels.


Capsules also ensure accurate dosing since they cannot be split. This helps eliminate any confusion about the proper dosage, especially for the elderly on multiple medications.

Answer 2

Pills that can be broke in half are "scored" to help in getting even pieces. Time released pills are not scored and should not be broken. The medicine is released by dissolving slowly in the stomach over a period of time. If you break them, the outer coating required to protect the medicine and your stomach will dissolve faster. There is a reason that the medicine needs to wait to get into the stomach before it begins dissolving. I believe this also applies to SR, XR & XL, time release pills.
Here are some guidelines that you should know before you speak with your doctor.
Things to look for that probably mean your medicine cannot be split:
The medicine is in capsule or liquid form. Splitting only works with pills or tablets.
The pill crumbles or does not split cleanly. This would mean that you would not get all of your medicine.
The medicine is time-released. This means that your medicine is manufactured so that it works slowly over a specific number of hours.
The tablet has a coating or film, usually because the pill without it would have an unpleasant taste but or because it makes the medicine easier on your stomach.
The tablet or pill is not scored, which means that it doesn't have a slight groove or indent down the middle. There are some exceptions to this.
If your medicine passes the test, there are still some questions to ask yourself:
Can I split all my pills at once? Not always - some pills can only be split one at a time. Being exposed to air makes some medicine less effective.