A capsule is a small case-shaped container used to enclose liquid or powder medicine. They often feature a coating designed to make it easier for swallowing.
Capsules’ versatility makes them the ideal form for many different formulations, leading to faster development and manufacturing processes and greater adherence among end users.
Easy to Consume
Capsules make adding supplements into daily or evening routines easy, and may have less adverse side effects than tablets.
Capsules are easier to swallow and don’t contain the bitter taste associated with pills, making them ideal for people with digestive issues and more resistant to splitting or crushing than tablets. Plus, their tamper-resistant nature means it will be harder to split or crush them!
Capsules are generally composed of gelatin or plant derivatives, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike. Unfortunately, however, their structure makes them more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes and has a shorter shelf life than tablets; meaning they might not be the optimal solution when taking medication at a specific time on an exact schedule.
Easy to Carry
As opposed to tablets, capsules contain exact dosage prescribed by their manufacturers, removing any uncertainty over how much is being taken and giving those managing their health with supplements the assurance they’re receiving the required ingredients in their regimen. This makes taking supplements easier than ever!
Capsules are often easier to formulate than tablets, making them suitable for early development stage use and cutting costs and time to market significantly. This is particularly beneficial during preclinical studies or blinded clinical trials where multiple doses may be necessary to ensure accurate dosing and API stability.
Capsules tend to be easier for most users to carry around than tablets due to their small size, easy gripping surface, and secure seal that prevents their contents from moving loose during transport – thus helping prevent accidental tampering or loss.
Easy to Identify
Pharmaceutical manufacturers tend to prefer capsules over tablets when it comes to drug formulation and development time. Capsules offer greater ease in formulation as they can encase liquid or semi-liquid fills, something which would be impossible with tablets (although pH and fluidity values must meet requirements in order for formulation to work effectively).
Contrary to tablet pills, capsules feature a shell which protects their contents from oxidation, light, heat, dust and moisture. This shell may be made out of various gelling agents – gelatin being among them and commonly used for long-lasting tasteless capsules. In recent years, vegan and vegetarian-friendly options such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) have also come onto the market as alternatives for plant-based capsules.
To easily identify its contents and medication name, the outer shell is printed with letters and numbers to make identification simpler for patients and reduce confusion when taking their prescribed dose. This makes taking your pill simpler!
Easy to Mix
Capsules can be easier for children to consume when mixed with liquid than tablets, enabling them to easily take their medicine at home or while out and about.
Capsules provide essential protection to ingredients susceptible to becoming damaged when exposed to air and light, such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. By keeping them within their capsules’ protective environment, capsules ensure these sensitive ingredients keep their potency and effectiveness.
Capsules offer one of the fastest dissolution rates for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which enables their quick absorption into the body and can increase patient compliance and safety, especially when administered on an empty stomach. This advantage can increase patient compliance and safety.
Capsule shells can be composed of various polymers and filled with pharmaceutical drug powders, food or even liquid materials. Colourants may also be added to enhance branding and identification.
