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COMPOUNDING AT HOME · GUIDE GAL-06

Compounded capsules

Can I open them or divide the contents?

Do not open a capsule or divide the powder by eye. First ask the pharmacy whether your formulation allows an alternative method.

01Check the dose per capsule

Read the active ingredient content per capsule and the number of capsules to take. Follow the stated times, relation to meals and duration. Do not transfer instructions from another medicine simply because the capsules look similar.

02If the capsule must be swallowed whole

Swallow it whole with water when this is the prescribed method and you can swallow safely. Do not chew, crush or open it for convenience. If you have difficulty swallowing, ask for a suitable method before trying to force it down.

03Opening requires a check first

Not every capsule can be opened. The coating or granules may affect absorption and release. With some substances, the powder may expose the person handling it to the medicine. The pharmacy must check your capsule’s composition and characteristics: knowing that it is “compounded” is not enough.

04Do not divide powder by eye

Half the visible contents does not guarantee half the dose. Do not divide powder on paper, weigh it on kitchen scales or make home dilutions to obtain fractions. If a different dose is needed, contact the pharmacy and doctor for an appropriate solution.

05When opening has been authorised

Ask how to open the capsule, which food or liquid to take the contents with, how to recover the dose and whether handling precautions apply. Prepare it immediately before taking it, as instructed. Do not crush any granules unless expressly permitted.

06If some contents are lost

If the capsule breaks or you are unsure you took the full dose, do not add another capsule to compensate. Ask the pharmacy or doctor what to do. Keep capsules in their original container, under the stated conditions and until the stated date.

A capsule is a prepared dose: changing it requires specific instructions.

This guide explains general use. For amounts, frequency, duration, storage and specific methods, follow the label and the instructions supplied with your preparation.

Need clarification? Contact the pharmacy directly on 0431 91001 and have the label ready. For an urgent problem, do not wait for a reply through the website.

Sources and limits of this guide

Sources consulted on 03/10/2026 for general precautions. Information about an individual medicine does not validate other compounded formulations: doses, concentrations, durations, age limits and intervals remain those of the prescribed preparation.

  1. NHS SPS — Checking if capsules can be opened

    Modified release, coatings, absorption and handler exposure. Suitability of a compounded formulation is not inferred automatically.

  2. NHS SPS — Advising how to open capsules

    Handling only after checking and preparation immediately before use. Procedures and volumes from the source are not reproduced as universal instructions.