Oral medication administration: implications caused by capsule splitting

Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
Sarah Mae Caldwell, Jacob R Raitt

Abstract

To demonstrate that capsule splitting does not result in an equal quantity of drug in both parts of the capsule, affecting the dosage of the drug. Descriptive nonexperimental study. Glen Burnie, MD, from May 2007 to May 2008. Not applicable. At varying times, three student pharmacists (two from the University of Maryland and one from Creighton University) filled and packed 62 capsules ranging in size from #4 to #000 using bulk powder. Each capsule was weighed and then split. The capsule split was also weighed, as well as the amount of powder found in each portion of the capsule. Statistical analyses were performed, including t test, standard error, and relative error. Whether after splitting a capsule the top of the capsule supplies less of the drug and the base of the capsule more of the drug, leading to non-weight uniformity of splitting capsules. The weight of the base of the capsule powder was always more than the weight of the top portion of the capsule. Capsule size #1 showed the most deviation and capsule size #4 the least deviation between the top and bottom of the capsule. Capsules should not be ordered to be split because the base of the capsule holds more of the drug powder than that of the top of the capsule. This s...Continue Reading

References

Nov 14, 2003·Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy : JMCP·James E PolliBrian R Martin
Dec 16, 2005·The AAPS Journal·Mark G Papich

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