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Dose Optimization Calculator

Compare costs: fewer high-dose pills vs. more low-dose pills

Important safety warnings

  • Not all pills can be split — ask your pharmacist before splitting any medication
  • Never split enteric-coated, extended-release, or capsule medications
  • Always consult your pharmacist before changing dose forms

A
Option A: Lower Dose

B
Option B: Higher Dose

Common Drugs Where Dose Optimization Works

Atorvastatin

Lower: 20mg$0.45/pill, 1/day
Higher: 40mg$0.48/pill, 0.5/day (split)

40mg tablets can often be split for ~same cost as 20mg

Lisinopril

Lower: 10mg$0.18/pill, 2/day
Higher: 20mg$0.20/pill, 1/day

Higher doses often cost nearly the same per pill

Metformin

Lower: 500mg$0.08/pill, 2/day
Higher: 1000mg$0.12/pill, 1/day

Immediate-release tablets can be optimized (NOT extended-release)

Amlodipine

Lower: 5mg$0.15/pill, 1/day
Higher: 10mg$0.18/pill, 0.5/day (split)

Amlodipine tablets are generally safe to split