Capsules and tablets are two of the most common oral drug delivery forms in the pharmaceutical world. They may look similar, but their differences go beyond appearance. Their composition, how they work in the body, and how fast they deliver the active substance all vary. Choosing between them depends on more than just price—it’s about performance, patient comfort, and formulation.
This article helps you understand what separates capsules from tablets and which might be right for your manufacturing or product goals.
What Are Tablets?
Tablets are solid, compressed forms of medicine. They’re made by mixing active ingredients with binders, fillers, and sometimes coatings. A tablet is usually dry, stable, and durable. It may come in various shapes—round, oval, or oblong—and may have a line down the middle (called a score) so users can split the dose.
Common Tablet Types
- Immediate-release – break down quickly in the stomach.
- Enteric-coated – resist stomach acid and dissolve in the intestine.
- Extended-release – deliver the drug slowly over time.
Key Benefits
- Low cost to produce
- Long shelf life
- Easy to package and transport
- Some can be split to adjust dosage
Limitations
- Can be difficult for some to swallow
- May leave an aftertaste
- Some take longer to absorb
What Are Capsules?
Capsules are containers, often made from gelatin or plant-based material, that hold liquid, powder, or pellet forms of medicine. The shell breaks down in the stomach or intestine, depending on the type.
Types of Capsules
- Hard gelatin capsules – typically hold powders or granules.
- Softgel capsules – often used for oils or liquids.
Why Choose Capsules
- Easier to swallow for many people
- Hide unpleasant tastes or smells
- Faster absorption in most cases
- More elegant for high-end supplements or sensitive ingredients
Drawbacks
- Higher cost
- Can be unstable in hot or humid conditions
- Cannot be split or crushed
Capsule vs Tablet: Summary Comparison
Absorption: Capsule vs Tablet
Absorption refers to how quickly and efficiently the drug moves from your stomach or intestine into your bloodstream.
- Capsules typically dissolve faster. Their shell breaks down quickly, especially softgels, releasing the drug in seconds to minutes.
- Tablets, depending on their coating and compression, may take longer. Some are designed to dissolve slowly or only in the intestine.
Faster doesn’t always mean better. For pain relief, speed helps. But for chronic conditions, a slower, more controlled release may be best.
Bioavailability: Which Delivers More of the Drug?
Bioavailability is the percentage of the active ingredient that enters the bloodstream and has an effect. It’s affected by the drug’s chemistry, the delivery form, and how it's absorbed.
Capsules, especially liquid-filled softgels, often have higher bioavailability. The drug is pre-dissolved, making it easier for the body to absorb.
Tablets can vary. Some lose effectiveness if not broken down fully, especially in patients with digestive issues.
Still, proper formulation can make tablets nearly as effective.
Dissolution Rate: How Fast Does It Break Down?
Dissolution rate is a lab-measured indicator of how quickly a drug form dissolves in fluid. It’s a good predictor of onset speed.
- Capsules typically show faster dissolution rates—under 15 minutes in water-based tests.
- Tablets, depending on the coating, may take 20 to 30 minutes or longer.
Some pharmaceutical studies confirm this. A 2020 review in Pharmaceutical Development and Technology showed that liquid-filled capsules released over 90% of their contents in under 10 minutes, compared to 35–60% for uncoated tablets.
Which Is Better: Tablet or Capsule?
There’s no universal winner. Instead, it depends on several factors:
- For cost-conscious production: tablets win.
- For faster action and comfort: capsules often perform better.
- For custom dosing or extended release: tablets offer more control.
- For sensitive contents or better absorption: capsules excel.
The decision should be based on the drug’s needs, user preferences, and manufacturing budget.
Capsules and tablets serve the same purpose but go about it in different ways. Capsules offer faster action and easier swallowing but at a higher cost. Tablets are sturdy, affordable, and flexible in dosing but may lag in speed or comfort. For manufacturers, the form chosen must align with both the drug’s properties and the end user's experience.
Explore Your Manufacturing Options
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