Abilify 2 mg tablet
Abilify Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
Warnings:
If you are using aripiprazole in combination with other medication to treat depression, also carefully read the drug information for the other medication.
There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.
Warnings:
If you are using aripiprazole in combination with other medication to treat depression, also carefully read the drug information for the other medication.
There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.
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Uses
Aripiprazole is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, and irritability associated with autistic disorder). It may also be used in combination with other medication to treat depression. Aripiprazole is known as an antipsychotic drug (atypical type). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).This medication can decrease hallucinations and improve your concentration.
It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less nervous, and take a more active part in everyday life. Aripiprazole can treat severe mood swings and decrease how often mood swings occur.
How to use Abilify
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking aripiprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
The manufacturer directs to swallow this medication whole. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split/crushed. Follow your doctor's direction on how to take this medication.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/cup. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, excess saliva/drooling, blurred vision, weight gain, constipation, headache, and trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Dizziness and lightheadedness can increase the risk of falling. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, mental/mood changes (such as increased anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts), trouble swallowing, restlessness (especially in the legs), shaking (tremor), muscle spasm, mask-like expression of the face, seizures, trouble controlling certain urges (such as gambling, sex, eating or shopping), interrupted breathing during sleep.
This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
This medication may rarely cause a condition called tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs).
This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before taking aripiprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as propylene glycol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: problems with blood flow in the brain (such as cerebrovascular disease, stroke), diabetes (including family history), heart problems (such as low blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), nervous system problems (such as dementia, NMS, seizures), obesity, low white blood cell count (including history of low white blood cell count caused by medications), swallowing problems, breathing trouble during sleep (sleep apnea).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get heat stroke.
Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially seizures, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, tardive dyskinesia, swallowing problems, and other serious (rarely fatal) side effects. (See also Warning section.) Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn especially during their first month, tell the doctor right away.
Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects.
This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is: metoclopramide.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Does Abilify interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911.
Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness.
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood sugar, weight, cholesterol/triglyceride levels) may be performed before you start treatment, periodically to monitor your progress, or to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store the tablet and the oral liquid at room temperature away from light and moisture. Discard the oral solution 6 months after opening or after the expiration date, whichever comes first. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.
The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Effectiveness, Ease of Use, and Satisfaction
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3.4 Overall Rating
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Most voted positive review
92 People found this comment helpful
I have suffered with chronic depression for most of my life. I have tried almost every antidepressant out there with varying degrees of success. I currently take 90 mgs of Cymbalta every day.
While it is somewhat effective for me I still suffered greatly from nagging depression. It wasn't until my psychiatrist added Abilify that I experienced almost complete relief of my depression. Within two wee...
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Most voted negative review
14 People found this comment helpful
when my 19 yr old nephew took this med ,he died in his sleep apprx. 12 wks later.
Shared reviews and ratings
SORT BYCondition: Bipolar I Disorder with Most Recent Episode Mixed
Overall rating 4.0
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionSo I started Abilify about a year ago and it took some while to kick in but once it did I felt so relieved. I only give four stars though because at some point it stopped working so well and I actually just wanted to sleep all day and was so depressed. It sucks because at first I was so happy and ready to open a business and everything but I lost all my motivation suddenly.
Now I was going thru a tremendously hard relationship so I think that messed w me, but I just got worse and had to add a new medication, adderall to keep me awake because I would get so tired. So it helped me but now I’m going to get off of it because I also gained 60 pounds and I’m tired of it. I’m just winging it basically hoping my disease doesn’t resurface. If it does I would definetely do abilify again cause it really helped the delusions and my mood at first. I mean it was totally reliable for me for sure it just isn’t my fave now due to the extreme tiredness and weight gain. I’m going to try something else next time if my disease comes back like as far as hearing voices and stuff. Hopefully I will be good for a while.Read More Read Less
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.
0
this medication is so bad it ruined my life i’ve been on this medication since like 2019 i believe i gained a ton of weight i was like 117 and now i 234 pounds and obese i really recommend if your on this medication to change it immediately if it’s working for you that’s good but if it’s not i recommend changing it because i lost weight since i got off of it
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Bipolar Disorder in Remission
Overall rating 1.0
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionI was prescribed as a child at 15 years old. It caused me to have muscle spasms in my jaw.
I could not open my mouth and was on the verge of breaking my jaw. All the psychiatrist did was lower my dosage, I was forced to take this for 2 years due to my adolescents. Now I have a long term side effect of chronic tmj and I have just recently broke my jaw while eating cereal as an adult, 18 years down the road.
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Additional Medications to Treat Depression
Overall rating 4.7
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionWorking quite well for me. I have depression due to ptsd and it has helped tremendously. I have a few side effects but weight gain, etc., are not a factor since I eat a healthy diet. I have continued to lose weight while taking.
I have a slight tremor at times in my left lower leg but nothing that prohibits me from living.
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Additional Medications to Treat Depression
Overall rating 4.7
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionMy kids think this is for szichsophrenia. This is dangerous to translate. Because they are from broken homes and safe to say I am not any longer. It has several uses. But, I use it for depression. Strong.
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Bipolar Disorder in Remission
Overall rating 1.
0
I was on Abilify for many about ten years. I developed all the symptoms and was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. After a few years, I switched neurologists because I was going down hill fast and was soon going to need a caretaker. This wonderful Dr. Saw that I was on Tasigna and immediately weaned me off. After 2 months, The symptoms all want away. If you read up about Abilify, it is know to cause what is called Parkinsism disease. It mimics and can turn into full blown Parkinsons. I had a close friend that was experiencing similar symptoms and she was on Abilfy also. She had her Dr wean her off and her symptoms went away also. Read More Read Less
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Schizophrenia
Overall rating 1.
0
ABILIFY IS POISON. IT CAUSED ME TO BE A COMPULSIVE GAMBLER. IT DID NOT HELP. IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. THE COMPANY THAT MADE ABILIFY OR ARIPROPRAZOLE IS SCAMMING U.S. TAXPAYERS BY HAVING MEDICAL INSURANCE PAY OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO BUY THEIR DRUG THAT SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN. IT'S A SCAM, AND SO ARE 99% OF THE GO TO DRUGS FOR PYSCHIATRISTS.
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.7
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionI was having severe aggression and anger towards family. I was put on this med and 2-3 weeks later I felt better.
I had less aggression and anger. This med helped me for a while but I was then taken off of it due to its side effects. I had gained 15-20 pounds on it and I was extremely tired. On some nights I was going to bed around 730. It was taking me almost an hour to get up for school. it was great for me but its side effects was the one downside i had against this med.
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Additional Medications to Treat Depression
Overall rating 2.3
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionIt didn’t alleviate my symptoms at all (I was on this medication for a long time) and 5mg made me gain 35 pounds in under a month immediately after starting it (I was slightly underweight before for my height and now I am considered overweight.
) Now that I’ve stopped this medication (as well as all others) it is difficult to lose any of the weight that resulted from this medication. My doctors told me this was normal, but only AFTER it happened. Also, this medication increased my Prolactin levels to the point where I was beginning to have hormone-related issues (infertility, increased breast tissue, etc)Read More Read Less
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.0
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionI was prescribed 2mg to treat my on going depression and anorexia. Doctors told me it would “ease the thoughts” and that’s exactly what it did. It was very helpful for me in that period of my life so that I could gain weight but once I reached my stable weight I started having side effects.
I would have uncontrollable jitters and eye twitches. It would get very uncomfortable, to the point that I couldn’t focus in school anymore. I immediately went off the medication and haven’t gone on it since.Read More Read Less
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Additional Medications to Treat Depression
Overall rating 1.0
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionThis is the worst drug on the market. It caused me to gain over 50 pounds and I developed a compulsive gambling problem. The drug company Bristol-Meyers claims they did nothing wrong. This drug ruined my life and left me far more depressed than before I took it.
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.7
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionmade me gain a huge amount of weight. Too hard to move some days. Extreme soreness. Do not take more than 10mg if you need to move your body! Hate this drug and there's no way out without extreme symptoms? Don't mess with your brain.
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Bipolar I Disorder with Most Recent Episode Mixed
Overall rating 5.0
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionI have been on Abilify for 5 years and have had excellent results.
It's important to remember that all medications work differently with people's body chemistry. What works for one may not work for another.
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.0
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionI’ve been put on Abilify for Bipolar ||. I’ve only been on it for about a week, and I am already getting off of them. Every night for the past 6 nights i’ve woken up during the night and started vomiting. Then the next day, it feels like i’m hungover. I have not been on these long enough to talk about any mood improvements, but if you’re sensitive to medication- stay away from this one. & I should add they started me off with only 2mg, and i feel this way.
Be careful friends
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Additional Medications to Treat Depression
Overall rating 5.0
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionI have been on Trintellix now for about 3 years and have been very depressed and suicidal lately until my psychiatrist recently put me on abilify, After 3 days i am virtually depression free, no anxiety! This is a miracle to me! I have not felt this good in years!
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: adjunct therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder
Overall rating 1.
7
Abilify just didn't work for me. I had taken Zyprexa but needed to get off it because my cholesterol shot up. So, I've been trying Abilify for a month. It hasn't helped my OCD at all, and in fact has made it a bit worse. It interferes with my sleep, and I feel nauseous and don't want to eat. The worst part is that it makes me very irritable and angry, which is not like me at all. Luckily, no serious side effects, but enough to make life miserable. So, I'm going to go off it and see if there's something else out there that can help.Read More Read Less
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Schizophrenia
Overall rating 5.
0
I started on the 10 mg equivalent Aristada injection four years ago. I am currently on 15 mg, and upping the dose to 20mg soon. I have not had a schizophrenia relapse this whole time. At first I thought the medication was causing anhedonia but the longer I take it I realize it was the illness not the abilify. I also take 300mg Buproprion and this past month started taking high doses of fish oil. I've been suffering since the age of 26 and just now I feel I can totally recover. Hang in there it takes years to recover. Also, be careful with fish oil. It is helping my concentration, sex drive, and focus but I am upping my dose of abilify just to avoid paranoia. I thought I'd never recover from anhedonia but my zest for life is finally coming back. Holy cow! Thanks science!Read More Read Less
1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Additional Medications to Treat Depression
Overall rating 5.0
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionI have treatment resistant depression. And in addition to my other antidepressants abilify has saved my life?? I was in a deep dark place and all I wanted to do was die. I was overwhelmed with sadness fear and despair. Although I still participated in life each and every day and did everything in my power to overcome I felt like I was just existing. No joy. No hope. Like a prison cell with no windows. Within a few days I felt like I went from darkness to light. Even though it was cloudy outside there was sunshine in my heart. I thank God for each and every day and want to live now. I hope and pray it does the same for you???? I take 2mgs twice a day.
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1
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.7
EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfactionI wanted to Kill myslef straight, going crazy was and tortured with more drugs. This "med" is hell. You lose Tour memeoy, Body oarts are shaking , you bis ans seit yourself. The worst thing is you do not realize how you super fand it bringst you close to DEATH. I d rather kill myself before taking Zyclon b , i mean abilify again
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.
7
If I were a PARENT reading this whose child is under ten and does not have Tourette's, autism, Schizophrenia, or bipolar, I'd run away fast. My daughter has early childhood trauma from her birth family. She suffers from PTSD and ADHD. We began this medication to treat her aggression and restlessness. At 2mg and 5mg, it had mild benefits such as sleep regulation and some behavioral improvement. A few weeks after beginning a 10mg dose, she snapped. She literally threatened my life and tried to access a weapon. I have since learned that we are not alone. This medication can backfire and increase aggression. We wish we'd been more cautious.Read More Read Less
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Fill 3Created with Sketch.IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT USER-GENERATED CONTENT ON WEBMD
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training.
These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions.
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List of subsidized drugs
| Appendix to the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Ministry of Defense | |||
| dated December 27, 2012 No. 1568 | |||
| List of medicines and medical products necessary to provide certain categories of citizens dispensed for outpatient treatment on prescriptions of doctors free of charge or with a 50% discount from free prices
| |||
| International non-proprietary name
| Trade name
| Note
| |
| Adalimumab | Humira / s. | KEK MZ MO | |
| Ademetionine | Heptor /tb. n.intestinal.o./ 400 mg No. 20 | ||
| Azapentacene | Quinax / cap. eye / 0.015% / vial-drop / 15 ml No. 1 | ||
| Azathioprine | Azathioprine (tb. 0.05 g #50) | KEK MZ MO | |
| Azacitidine | Vidaza, lyophilisate for suspension for subcutaneous administration, 100 mg vials #1 | KEK MZ MO | |
| Azithromycin | Azithromycin /caps. | *** | |
| Azithromycin | AzitRus forte /tb. p.p.o./ 500 mg No. 3 | *** | |
| Azithromycin | Sumamed /por. d / adj. susp. for oral administration / 100 mg / 5 ml / vial / 17 g | *** | |
| Azithromycin | Sumamed /tb. p.o./ 125 mg No. 6 | *** | |
| Acarbose | Glucobay (tb. 50 mg #30) | *** | |
| Algedrate + Magnesium Hydroxide | Maalox (susp. | *** | |
| Alendronic acid | Fosamax /tb./ 70 mg №4 | ||
| Alendronic acid | Alendronate (tb. 70 mg #4) | *** | |
| Allopurinol | Allopurinol /tb./ 100mg №50 | *** | |
| Alfacalcidol | Alpha D-3-Teva caps. 0.25mcg №60 | *** | |
| Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate gel; magnesium carbonate | Gastal (tb. No. 30) | *** | |
| Ambroxol | Bronchorus /syrup/ 3 mg/ml /vial/ 100ml #1 | ||
| Ambroxol | Ambroxol /tb. | ||
| Ambroxol | Lazolvan (tb. 30 mg #50) | *** | |
| Ambroxol | Ambroxol-Vial (syrup 15 mg/5 ml polyeth. 100 ml vial (with cup measure) No. 1) | *** | |
| Aminobenzoic acid | Aktipol / cap. gl. / 0.007% / fl. - drops/ 5 ml | *** | |
| Aminosalicylic acid | Sodium para-aminosalicylate (tb.p.o. enteric solution 1000 mg #500) | *** | |
| Aminophylline | Eufillin, tablets, 150 mg No. | *** | |
| Amiodarone | Amiodarone /tb./ 200 mg №30 | ||
| Amisulpride | Solian /tb./ 200 mg №30 | ||
| Amitriptyline | Amitriptyline /tb./ 25 mg №50 | ||
| Amitriptyline | Amitriptyline (tb. 10 mg #50) | ||
| Amlodipine | Amlodipine /tb./ 5 mg №30 | ||
| Amlodipine | Amlodipine /tb./ 10 mg №30 | ||
| Amlodipine + Valsartan | Exforge (tb. | *** | |
| Amoxicillin | Flemoxin Solutab (tb. 250 mg #20) | *** | |
| Amoxicillin | Flemoxin Solutab (tb. 500 mg #20) | *** | |
| Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid | Amoxiclav /por. d / adj. susp. for oral administration / 125 mg + 31.25 mg / 5 ml / vial / 25 g No. 1 | *** | |
| Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid | Amoxiclav /tb. p.p.o. / 250 mg + 125 mg / vial / No. 15 | *** | |
| Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid | Amoxiclav /tb. | *** | |
| Anastrozole | Arimidex /tb. p.o./ 1mg №28 | KEK MZ MO | |
| Anastrozole | Vero - Anastrozole /tb. p.pl.o/ 1mg No. 28 | *** | |
| Anastrozole | Anastera /tb. p.pl.o/ 1mg No. 28 | CVC | |
| Anastrozole | Anastrozole-Teva (tb.p.p.o. 1 mg #28) | ||
| Arbidol | Arbidol /tb. p.p.o./ 50 mg No. 10 | ||
| Arbidol | Arbidol /caps. | ||
| Aripiprazole | Abilify /tb./ 10 mg №28 | ||
| Aripiprazole | Abilify (tb. 15 mg #28) | ||
| Ascorbic acid + Ferrous sulfate | Sorbifer Durules (tb.p.o. No. 50) | *** | |
| Asparaginase | Asparaginase Medak (por.lyof.d/prep.solution d/in. 10000 IU No. 5) | ||
| Atenolol + Chlorthalidone | Tenoric | *** | |
| Atorvastatin | Atorvastatin /tb. | ||
| Atorvastatin | Atorvastatin /tb. p.p.o. / 20 mg No. 30 | ||
| Atorvastatin | Atoris (tb.p.p.o. 20 mg #30) | *** | |
| Acetazolamide | Diacarb (tb. 250 mg #24) | *** | |
| Acetylsalicylic acid | Acecardol /tb. n.intestinal.o./ 100 mg No. 30 | *** | |
| Acetylsalicylic acid | Acecardol /tb. n.intestinal.o./ 50 mg No. 30 | *** | |
| Acetylsalicylic acid + Magnesium hydroxide | Cardiomagnyl /tb. | *** | |
| Acetylsalicylic acid + Magnesium hydroxide | Cardiomagnyl /tb. p.p.o. / 75 mg + 15.2 mg No. 30 | *** | |
| Acetylcysteine | ACC /gr. d / adj. solution for oral administration / 200 mg /pack./ 3g №20 | *** | |
| Acetylcysteine | ACC - long /tb. spike/ 600 mg №10 | ||
| Acetylcysteine | ACC 200, effervescent tablets, 200 mg №20 | ||
| Bevacizumab | Avastin / conc. | KEK MZ MO | |
| Bevacizumab | Avastin / conc. for ca. solution for inf./ 400 mg/16 ml / vial/ No. 1 | KEK MZ MO | |
| Beclomethasone | Beclazone Eco / aer.d / ing.dose / 100 mcg / dose 200 doses No. 1 | ||
| Beclomethasone | Beclazone Eco Light Breathing /aerod/ing.dose.active inhalation/ 0.25 mg/dose 200 doses in comp. with ing. and optimal doses No. 1 | ||
| Beclomethasone | Nasobek /spray naz. doses/ 50 mcg/dose / vial/ 200 doses No. 1 | ||
| Benzobarbital | Benzonal /tb. | ||
| Betahistine | Betahistine /tb./ 24 mg №20 | *** | |
| Betahistine | Betaserc /tb./ 24 mg №20 | *** | |
| Betahistine | Betahistine (tb. 16 mg #30) | *** | |
| Betaxolol | Betoptik /cap. hl. / 0.5% / fl. - cap. / 5ml №1 | ||
| Betaxolol | Betoftan (drip eye 0.5% vial-drip 5 ml) | *** | |
| Betamethasone | Celestoderm-B (cream 0. | *** | |
| Betamethasone | Celestoderm-B (ointment 0.1% 15 g) | *** | |
| Betamethasone | Diprospan (susp.d / in. 2 mg + 5 mg amp. 1ml No. 5) | ||
| Betamethasone + Salicylic acid | Belosalik (ointment for external application 30 g) | *** | |
| Bicalutamide | Bilumid /tb.p.o./ 50 mg #28 | ||
| Bicalutamide | Casodex /tb. p.p.o. / 50 mg No. 28 | KEK MZ MO | |
| Bicalutamide | Casodex /tb. | KEK MZ MO | |
c. injection solution / 40 mg / single-dose syringes / 0.8 ml №2 
/ 250 mg №6 
for oral administration 15 ml №30) 
/ 30 mg №20 
30 
p.p.o. 10 mg + 160 mg No. 28) 
pp/ 500 mg + 125 mg / vial / No. 15 
/ 100 mg №10 
p.p.o./ 10 mg No. 30 
p.p.o./ 150 mg + 30.39 mg No. 30 
for ca. solution for / inf. / 100 mg / 4 ml / vial / No. 1 
/ 100mg /#50 
1% 30 g) 
p.o. / 150 mg No. 28 which can be broken and which can not and why, how to properly divide tablets in half and into parts
Daniil Davydov
medical journalist
Author profile
This is true, but there are nuances.
There are several groups of tablets that must not be divided. Other pills can be divided - but it is important to do it correctly.
Go see a doctor
Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don't write prescriptions, we make recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.
What you need to know about tablets
Like all other forms of medicine, tablets consist of a carefully measured dose of an active ingredient that has a biological effect on the body, and excipients that give the drug volume.
What Drugs Are Made of - Bulletin of the Australian Department of Health
What are Drug Delivery Systems - Bulletin of the National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
Excipients are not only colors, flavors, sweeteners and stabilizers that protect the drug from oxidation and degradation, but also drug delivery vehicles that allow you to control the properties of the drug.
Delivery systems are either incorporated into the tablet itself or the contents of the capsule, or form its shell. They determine exactly where the tablet will dissolve - in the stomach or in the intestines, and the speed with which it will do it. The delivery method used in a particular tablet or capsule determines whether it can be divided into parts or not.
What pills that can be divided look like
All pills can be roughly divided into two groups: those that can be divided without loss of effectiveness, and those that, after division, become less effective or even dangerous.
Sometimes they can be distinguished by their appearance, but you should not count on it.
What to consider when splitting pills - British Ministry of Health Bulletin
What should look like pills that can be split - FDAPDF guidelines, 55.6 KB
For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that drug companies leave tips for patients. Tablets that can be divided, the department advises making flattened and notching them to make it easier to gently break them in half.
However, no one requires strict compliance with these rules from drug manufacturers either in our country or abroad. Therefore, in the pharmacy you can find tablets with notches that are not worth dividing, and tablets without notches that can be divided.
Tablets that can be divided, usually white, most often uncoated and scored. Source: Triff / ShutterstockWhich pills can not be divided
In order not to get confused, it makes sense to focus not on the appearance of the pill, but on the instructions.
There are only two types of tablets and capsules that most pharmacological experts advise against separating.
Enteric-coated tablets and capsules . This is a shell that does not allow the tablet to dissolve in the stomach, so the drug is absorbed only in the intestines. Such coverage:
- Protects drugs that become unstable in acidic gastric juices. These are, for example, the antibiotic erythromycin and the digestive enzyme pancreatin. If you divide the pills from this group into parts, they will either work weaker than they should, or they will not work at all.
- Protects drugs working in the stomach from premature activation. For example, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole are activated in an acidic environment. But for some people with digestive disorders, acidic stomach juices can get into the mouth or into the esophagus. The coating prevents the drugs from "turning on" in the mouth or esophagus, where they are of no use.
If it is destroyed, the medicine will work worse. - Protects the stomach from the harmful effects of the drug.
Examples of Pills Not to Divide - New Zealand Guidelines for Elderly PatientsPDF, 301KB
What is Enteric Coating - An International Primer for Drug Manufacturers
Things to Know When Prescribing a Proton Pump Inhibitor - British Medical Journal
Peptic Ulcers and Non Steroids Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - Australian Prescription Medicines Magazine
These are primarily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that damage the gastric mucosa when taken regularly. Some of these drugs, such as aspirin, are enteric-coated to dissolve in the intestines. If you split the pill, the aspirin will still work, but the coating will no longer protect the stomach. After taking a divided tablet, you may experience the same side effects as when taking uncoated aspirin, i.e. nausea or heartburn.
According to the Russian pharmacological standard, in the instructions for the drug in the "Dose form" section, the manufacturer is obliged to write that the tablet or capsule is coated with a coating that prevents the drug from dissolving in the stomach.
Typically, manufacturers write that tablets or capsules are enteric-coated or enteric-coated.
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Do you know which drugs are not worth spending money on?
The hint can also be encrypted in the appearance of the medicine. As a rule, such tablets are round or oval in shape, without notches, with a gleaming shell of white, orange, yellow or red. Both capsules and tablets can have letters and numbers.
Modified release tablets. Medicines have different characteristics of action. This means that the active ingredient from different tablets can be released:
- immediately - the tablets begin to act as soon as they dissolve;
- extended release - tablets dissolve gradually, gradually releasing the active ingredient. As a result, such a drug lasts longer than an immediate release drug;
- slow - tablets begin to dissolve after a specified time after a person has drunk them, and then they work as prolonged medicines.
That is, a person can take a pill at night so that it starts working in the morning, even before he wakes up, and works until the evening.
What are the characteristics of the action of drugs - the national standard of the Russian Federation GOST R ISO 11239-2014
Another drug may have a modified effect. For example, the first dose of a drug may be released immediately, while the second dose may be released after some time.
All tablets, except those from which the active ingredient is released immediately, are called modified release drugs. If you divide such medicines into parts, all their advantages are lost.
For example, the prolonged form of ibuprofen "Brufen SR" works up to 24 hours. If you split this pill, it will work like regular ibuprofen immediate release. And since in preparations with prolonged and delayed action the concentration of the active substance is usually higher than in immediate-release preparations, the risk of overdose arises even if you take half a tablet.
What can splitting a pill with a modified action lead to - French scientific journal "Recipe"
In the instructions for the drug in the section "Dosage form", the manufacturer must indicate the characteristics of the drug. For example, in the instructions for "Brufen SR" it is written that these are prolonged release tablets.
Modified-release drugs are similar in appearance to enteric tablets - they are also usually round or oval, without notches, with shiny multi-colored shells.
Which tablets can be divided
If the characteristic of action is not indicated in the "Dose form" section, this is not a modified release drug. Even if it says that these are film-coated tablets, such tablets can still be divided into parts. But it is important to consider that there are several important nuances in the separation of tablets.
Not all tablets are easy to split exactly in half. This is the reason doctors all over the world don't like it too much when patients share medicines.
After all, if the contents of the capsule wake up or the tablet breaks unevenly, there is a risk that the patient will receive either too high or too low a dose of the drug.
Why Splitting Pills Isn't a Good Idea - Bulletin on the International Pharmacy Site
Or, a person may forget that the pill had to be split and take a double dose. To avoid this, those who can afford it are advised to buy tablets and capsules immediately in the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
Separation of some tablets produces an acrid powder. Tablet is a compressed powder intended for oral administration. Chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and hormone pills break down into a corrosive powder. If it gets on hands or eyes, it can cause irritation. At the same time, separation does not affect the medicinal properties of these drugs.
Why Hormones, Steroids, Antibiotics and Cytostatics Shouldn't Be Divided - Clinical Guidelines from the Greater Manchester Medicines Management GroupPDF, 302KB
Sugar or film-coated tablets will become unpalatable.
For example, the prescription drug Midantan, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease, becomes bitter after separation. But separation does not affect its effectiveness.
How to divide tablets correctly
There are situations when you cannot do without dividing a tablet. For example, some patients may require the antidepressant Mirtazapine at a dosage that is less than the standard minimum dose. And if the medicine is expensive and needs to be taken for a long time, some patients may decide to save money.
In this situation, you need to follow the rules for the safe separation of tablets:
- Make sure that the tablet is not intended to dissolve in the intestines and is not a modified release drug. This information should be in the instructions, in the "Dosage Form" section. If you still have doubts, it makes sense to consult with the doctor who prescribed the medicine.
- Do not divide the entire supply of tablets at one time.
