Charlie asked
Can you split Bystolic?
Answer
Yes, Bystolic (nebivolol) may be cut, split or crushed. However, due to the odd shape of the pill, splitting can be difficult.
Bystolic is a beta blocker that was approved by the FDA in 2007 and is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It is available in the following dosages:
- 2.5 mg tablet
- 5 mg tablet
- 10 mg tablet
- 20 mg tablet
Although Bystolic is available in a range of dosages, sometimes it may be necessary to cut, split or crush the tablet due to a range of circumstances. For example, some people may need medications to be administered through a feeding tube. Others may have difficulty swallowing medications. Further still, many patients require 'intermediate' doses that are not commercially manufactured.
Generally, if a medication is not controlled or extended release, it may be safely cut, but that isn't always the case. In regard to Bystolic, as mentioned above, it can be cut, but that shape of the tablet can make it more difficult than usual.
Below, is an image of the 10 mg and 20 mg tablets:
Due to the shape, special care needs to be taken to cut the medication in two equal halves. It is important to cut the tablet vertically, as cutting horizontally will result in two unequal halves (the top half will be bigger than the bottom). If your doctor has instructed you to cut the tablet, be sure to use a pill splitter with a sharp blade.
