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Excellent craftsmanship, precision blades, and functional design combine to make this pill splitter a great option when it comes to cutting most types of pills.
Cuts pills almost any way you want them. Patented angled twin blades made of aircraft-grade aluminum split pills. Unit can also be used as a pill box. Backed by a lifetime guarantee.
A bit pricey. Has a learning curve. Somewhat tedious to use on very small pills.
Though it may not cut all types of pills perfectly, this model earns high marks for its sturdy construction.
A basic, affordable pill splitter. Straightforward mechanism that's easy to use. Sturdy build and blade. Has two convenient pill storage compartments. Can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
A few say it doesn't produce clean cuts on all types of pills. Pill guards could be better.
It's limited to the types of pills it will cut, but if you take the kind that will fit, chances are you'll be pleased with the results and effectiveness.
Offers a state-of-the-art design that splits seven pills at a time. Patented, multi-pill blade. Earns praise for producing precise cuts. Has a blade guard for added protection.
Only suited to round and oval pill shapes. Not for large pills. Pricey.
A functionally designed device that holds pills in place for more accurate, clean cuts.
Translucent color makes it easy to see clearly as you cut. V-grip holds your pill in place for a more accurate cut. Food-grade materials and BPA-free. Small storage compartment is convenient for cutting multiple pills at once.
Not ideal for larger pills.
This pick is well-loved for its compact size, durable construction, and affordable price.
Compact and ideal for travel. Effortless, user-friendly design. Stainless steel blade is durable and strong. Built for longevity and repeated use.
Some found that their small pills are easily crushed or broken with this splitter.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
At some point in your life, you’ve probably had to cut pills into halves or quarters. If you attempted this task with typical cutting tools, chances are the pills didn’t cut evenly, and small pieces probably ended up going in all directions.
With a pill splitter, you can cut pills as precisely as possible. Not only are most pill splitters easy to use, they are also affordable tools that are worth the price.
A pill splitter comes in handy to divide doses of tablets sold over the counter, but it can also be a money-saving device for costly prescription medications. However, there are safety issues to consider when it comes to dividing doses of some medications, so it is best to read FDA information before trying it.
But that doesn’t mean splitting pills can’t be safe, doctor-approved, and budget-friendly. Consider the pros and cons of cutting medications, and get your doctor’s approval before you begin.
Pros of splitting pills:
You can save money. Splitting pills helps patients make the most of their medications and dollars. In some cases, higher doses can be prescribed for similar prices, and the pills can be split for the appropriate doses. This could result in significant savings.
Many doctors understand. They know patients need to save money, and they are happy to let patients know which medications can be safely split.
Active ingredients stay the same. When a medication can be cut, its properties stay the same. However, the strength will change. That’s why medical supervision is recommended to be sure you get an appropriate dosage.
Cons of splitting pills:
Some medications aren’t safe to divide. No matter how you cut them, some medications aren’t safe to split. For example, pills that are time-released or coated for stomach protection should never be split. Other pills rely on accurate dosages for results that are too important to risk, including cancer medications, blood thinners, and birth control pills.
A bitter taste is a deterrent. Some pills are so bitter that it isn’t worth the unpleasant flavor that is exposed after they are cut.
The type of pill splitter you should choose depends on several factors, such as how often you plan to use it, if you want additional features, and how many pills you want to cut at one time.
If you want a model that’s straightforward to use, basic pill splitters are a good choice. Their design is simple: a single blade fixed to the handle, which doubles as the lid. Some have a storage compartment, too.
Pros:
Affordable
Easy to use
Small and portable
Cons:
Cheaper models prone to breaking with frequent use
Some models not ideal for hard pills
If you also like the option of crushing your pills, multi-functional pill splitters include crushing mechanisms, typically found in the bottom of the unit.
Pros:
Versatile
Ideal for those who can’t swallow pills
Cons:
Pricier than basic models
Crusher requires pressure, which may be difficult for those with arthritis
Larger and bulkier than other models
Though somewhat tedious to use, muli-pill pill splitters are capable of cutting more than one pill at a time. If you need to cut numerous pills on a regular basis, you may find this tool handy in spite of its limitations.
Pros:
Cuts multiple pills at one time
Saves time
Known for precise, clean cuts
Cons:
Takes a while to master the mechanism
More expensive
May not work for large or oblong pills
Dual-blade pill splitters work with a sliding, dual-blade mechanism that cuts even the toughest pills.
Pros:
Durable blades
Ideal for tough-to-cut pills
Cuts two pills at a time
Slim design
Cons:
Pricey
Not as easy to use
Not ideal for very small pills
Blade: The most important part of a pill splitter is the blade. The quality of the blade is the difference between a clean cut and uneven pills. Blades made of aluminum or stainless steel are durable and resist rust and corrosion.
Cutting mechanism: While some models feature a blade on a lever-like mechanism that doubles as a lid, others have multiple blade systems that cut two or more tablets at a time.
Guards: Pill splitter guards protect fingers and keep pills in place by blocking the sides of the blade and securing pills while cutting them.
Casing: Durable plastic or metal components should surround the blade unit and pill compartments.
Pill splitters are available at several price points. However, even top-of-the-line options aren’t overly expensive.
Budget-friendly: Basic models can be as low as $4 to $8, and the low-end price doesn’t necessarily mean you are sacrificing quality.
Mid-range: If you prefer a few more options, such as a splitter and crusher in one, expect to pay between $10 and $15.
Because pill residue tends to stick to the blade and pill holder, it’s important to wipe your pill splitter clean after you use it. This is even more important if you plan to use one splitter for different types of pills.
A pill splitter that has a separate storage compartment can double as a pill box. This makes a convenient two-in-one tool to take with you on the go.
When it comes to splitting very small pills, take a little extra time to line them up perfectly in the splitter to ensure the blade cuts them in exactly the right spot.
Some pills are prone to crumbling. When splitting this type of medication, using a lighter touch will keep the cut pieces from falling apart.
When it comes to splitting prescription medications or those that you take daily for a diagnosed health condition, don’t assume that it’s safe to cut your pills. Always check with your doctor first to make sure that splitting your medicine won’t be harmful to your health.
Q. I’m concerned about durability issues because the pills I plan to cut are quite large. What features should I look for when choosing a pill splitter?
A. Stainless steel blades and durable hinges stand up well to cutting large pills. Though the pill guards on most splitters can accommodate tablets of various sizes, you’ll want to avoid pill splitters with tighter slots. Some multi-pill models that only fit smaller tablets won’t work for you.
Q. It seems like pill splitter blades would have to be very sharp to slice easily through pills. Are they safe to use?
A. Any cutting device that has a blade can potentially be dangerous. However, most pill splitters have guards that surround the blades to prevent injury.
Q. I want to try splitting pills to save money. How should I get started?
A. The first thing you should do is talk to your doctor. Some pills can be safely cut, while others can be dangerous to take in divided doses. If your doctor gives you the go-ahead to cut your pills, you should ask if your pills are hard or prone to crumbling. This information will help you choose the best pill splitter for your needs.
Q. Are pricey pill splitters with unique or mult-pill designs difficult to operate?
A. These models are a bit more challenging to master than basic lever-operated pill splitters. But taking the time to read any instructions and understand how the mechanism works will help you learn to use it quickly.
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