Can you split Plan B tablets?

Splitting tablets is a common practice — for fine dose adjustment, to ease swallowing, or to extend a prescription. For Plan B (Levonorgestrel) at 1.5mg, whether splitting is appropriate depends on tablet design, formulation and clinical context, and the answer is not always intuitive.

When tablets can be split

Tablets with a score line are designed for splitting and can be divided into roughly equivalent halves. Plain (un-scored) tablets often produce uneven halves and inconsistent dosing. Modified-release, enteric-coated and certain film-coated formulations should never be split because doing so destroys the controlled-release mechanism. The prescribing information for Levonorgestrel states whether splitting is permitted at 1.5mg.

Practical guidance

According to general pharmacy practice, splitting is best done with a tablet splitter rather than by hand or knife — the splitter produces more consistent halves. Splitting should never be a substitute for the prescriber confirming the right dose; if a half-dose is needed routinely, asking for the appropriate strength avoids the dosing variability inherent in splitting.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to split a Plan B tablet? ▾

For tablets with a score line, generally yes. For plain or modified-release tablets, no — splitting can produce uneven doses or destroy the formulation. The prescribing information for Levonorgestrel should specify whether splitting is appropriate at 1.5mg.

Can I split Plan B to make my supply last longer? ▾

Routine splitting just to extend supply is not recommended; it produces inconsistent doses and may reduce treatment effect. If supply is the issue, the pharmacist or prescriber can usually arrange a renewal or alternative formulation rather than splitting compromising the effect of Levonorgestrel at 1.5mg.

More on Plan B

The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.