Can a capsule be halved?

[nomadi]

Hi, sorry- I wasn't sure of where to place this request for help. My doc prescribed 25mg of hydroxyzine pamoate for anxiety, they are in capsule form. I read online they can help with anxiety, but make some people dead-tired, even during the day. Is it possible to open a capsule and pour half the contents into a thimble of water or something, without effecting the drugs reaching the intestine?

Thanks.

 

[One Thousand Words]

Depends on the type of capsule. Some are designed to delay dissolving in the stomach so that the drug is then absorbed in the intestines. Others are designed to dissolve in the acidic stomach.

 

[nomadi]

Depends on the type of capsule. Some are designed to delay dissolving in the stomach so that the drug is then absorbed in the intestines. Others are designed to dissolve in the acidic stomach.

Is there a way to determine that? Is there terminology or anything about the types, so I could hunt? Thanks!

 

[Pretty_Diamonds]

You can usually take the capsule apart and just put half in a larger capsule. Or sometimes, I'll take it apart and then cover the opening half of the capsule with cheese and then swallow it.

 

[Kittycat5]

Is there a way to determine that? Is there terminology or anything about the types, so I could hunt? Thanks!

They usually will say delayed release or perhaps enteric coated. Hydroxyzine pamoate is neither though and while it is difficult to eyeball the contents of a capsule, you will surely get less a dose no matter what if you open it up and split it into two parts.