Capsules and tablets are used to deliver medications by mouth.
Capsules and tablets are commonly used because they’re convenient, safe, and effective.
The following article covers the differences between capsules and tablets and a few things to consider.
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Some notable differences include the following:
Some products are available as both tablets and capsules.
The choice of these medicines may come down to cost, taste, and ease of swallowing.
If you have a choice between products, read the ingredient list for allergies orhypersensitivityissues.
Some excipients used in capsules or tablets can cause allergic reactions.
Capsules
Many people prefer capsules to tablets.
Types of capsules include the following:
What’s in Capsules?
Excipients used in capsules can vary depending on the product.
They may include the following:
When Are Capsules Taken?
In at least some cases, capsules are more bioavailable than tablets.
This means that they deliver medicine to the bloodstream better.
What Do Capsules Look Like?
Pros and Cons of Capsules
There are pros and cons to taking any dosage form.
Types of tablets include the following:
What’s in Tablets?
Common excipients used in tablets include the following:
Note that chewable tablets often contain gelatin.
When Are Tablets Taken?
Tablets that dissolve in the mouth are ideal for people with difficulty swallowing.
Some tablets, like the antibiotic azithromycin, are more effective than capsules when taken with food.
What Do Tablets Look Like?
Tablets can be round, square, or oval-shaped.They come in many different sizes and colors.
Often, but not always, tablets are imprinted with letters or numbers to distinguish them from other medicines.
They may be scored (with a dividing line) or unscored.
Is It Safe to Crush Tablets or Open Capsules?
Sometimes, but not always.Crushing tablets or opening capsules changes the way they are absorbed in the body.
You may end up getting too much or too little of the medicine.
For instance, crushing or opening a sustained-release product can result in anoverdose.
Altering an enteric-coated product designed to bypass the stomach can cause the medicine to be less effective.
What Makes It Easier to Swallow Medications?
Consider an ODT tablet if it’s available.
These dissolve in the mouth, so you don’t have to swallow.Chewable tablets are also easier to swallow.
This is because they can causeaspiration(fluids entering the airway).
There are some differences to remember if the medicine you take is available in both forms.
Capsules are easier to swallow, generally tasteless, and quickly absorbed.
On the other hand, they are more susceptible to moisture, temperature, and light than tablets are.
Tablets are inexpensive, stable for long periods, and usually able to be split for dose adjustments.
Drawbacks include bitter taste and being harder to swallow.
Discuss your specific questions and concerns with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to optimize your therapy.
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