What is the term for a medication tablet that can be split or crushed?

A. Suspension: A suspension is a liquid preparation in which solid drug particles are dispersed in a liquid. It does not provide protection from gastric acid or prevent irritation of the stomach lining.

B. Capsule: Capsules enclose medication in a gelatin shell, which dissolves in the stomach or intestine. Standard capsules do not prevent gastric irritation unless they are specifically formulated with protective coatings.

C. Powder: Powders are solid medications that are usually mixed with liquid before administration. They dissolve quickly and do not protect the gastric mucosa from irritation.

D. Enteric coated: Enteric-coated tablets are designed with a special coating that resists dissolution in the acidic environment of the stomach. They remain intact until reaching the more neutral pH of the small intestine, protecting the gastric lining and preventing acid-mediated drug degradation.

A. 2.0 mg: Writing a trailing zero before the decimal point can cause a tenfold overdose if the decimal is missed or misread. This is a high-risk notation and is not recommended for safety.

B. 0.2 mg: Leading zeros before a decimal point are required for doses less than one to prevent misinterpretation. “0.2 mg” clearly indicates two-tenths of a milligram and minimizes the risk of a tenfold dosing error.

C. 0.20 mg: Although technically correct, the extra zero may be unnecessary and could be misinterpreted in some handwritten contexts. The standard safe practice emphasizes clarity and minimal ambiguity, which “0.2 mg” provides.

D. 2 mg: This represents two milligrams, not two-tenths of a milligram. Using this notation would result in a tenfold overdose if intended as 0.2 mg.