What is the difference between tablet and capsule?
Research Question
Academic Insights
The primary difference between tablets and capsules lies in their formulation, release mechanisms, and patient adherence.
Key Insights
-
Formulation and Release Mechanisms:
- Tablets can be designed for sustained release, providing a longer duration of drug action compared to conventional capsules. For example, cefalexin sustained-release tablets maintain higher plasma levels and longer effective concentration durations than conventional capsules .
- Capsules can be designed to contain mini-tablets, allowing for the combination of multiple drugs in a single dosage form, which can be beneficial for complex treatments such as those for acute coronary syndrome .
-
Bioequivalence and Pharmacokinetics:
- Studies have shown that tablets and capsules of the same drug can be bioequivalent, meaning they have similar pharmacokinetic profiles. For instance, exemestane tablets and capsules showed no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters .
- However, some studies indicate that tablets might provide higher drug exposure compared to capsules, as seen with opicapone, where tablets had higher Cmax and AUC values than capsules .
-
Patient Adherence and Perception:
- Capsules are often preferred for their ease of swallowing and are perceived to be stronger than tablets. This perception can influence patient adherence and the placebo effect .
- Non-tablet formulations like soft-gel capsules can improve adherence in patients with suboptimal tablet performance due to fewer drug-food interactions and better tolerance of gastrointestinal conditions .
Conclusion
The choice between tablets and capsules depends on various factors including the desired release profile, patient adherence, and specific pharmacokinetic properties. Tablets offer sustained release options and higher drug exposure in some cases, while capsules are often preferred for ease of swallowing and combining multiple drugs.
Comparisons of multiple-dosage bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of cefalexin between sustain-released tablet and conventional capsule
Tablets in Capsule as Strategy to Improve Adherence in Patients Cardiovascular Disease
Sustained release tablet vs capsule of isosorbide 5 mononitrate for angina pectoris associated with coronary heart disease
Influence of YouTube videos on the learning of tablet- and capsule-formulation by Malaysian pharmacy students: A pilot study
The Effect of Tablet Size on Cognitive Performance : A Randomized Control Trial Using Caffeine Placebo
Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Implications of Two Non-Tablet Oral Formulations of L-Thyroxine in Patients with Hypothyroidism
Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Capsule and Tablet Formulations of Opicapone in Healthy Japanese Subjects: Phase 1 Study
Bioequivalence between omeprazole MUPS 20 mg as tablet and omeprazole MUPS 20 mg as tablet encapsulated in a hard gelatine capsule.
DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PULSATILE TABLET IN CAPSULE DEVICE FOR HYPERTENSION THERAPY
Galenic development of a capsule containing rosuvastatin, repaglinide, and olmesartan mini-tablets for the treatment of metabolic syndrome
A comparative absorption study of sucrosomial® orodispersible vitamin D3 supplementation vs. a reference chewable tablet and soft gel capsule vitamin D3 in improving circulatory 25(OH)D levels in healthy adults with vitamin D deficiency—Results from a prospective randomized clinical trial
Practical considerations for clinicians for transitioning patients on maintenance therapy with olaparib capsules to the tablet formulation of olaparib
In Vitro Dissolution Profiles of Two Diltiazem Tablet Formulations and a Compounded Capsule Formulation: A Comparative Study
[Correlation between drug-induced liver injury in rats caused by Xianling Gubao oral preparation and extraction process].
Prospective comparison of patient tolerance to enteric-coated vs nonenteric-coated erythromycin.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study vs data in the daily practice using linaclotide in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Acute pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic comparison of two different formulations of temazepam.
Predicting the Drug Release Kinetics of Matrix Tablets
Esomeprazole tablet vs omeprazole capsule in treating erosive esophagitis.
An alprostadil analogue and human gastric secretion. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effects of a capsule and tablet formulation.
Patient’s Perspective on Psychiatric Drugs: A Multicenter Survey-Based Study
Characterization of the 3D microstructure of Ibuprofen tablets by means of synchrotron tomography
Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Comparatively Predict the Active Ingredients and Molecular Targets of Compound Xueshuantong Capsule and Hexuemingmu Tablet in the Treatment of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Differences in nifedipine concentration-effect relationship between capsule and slow release tablet administration.
Related Questions
- What are the advantages of tablets over capsules?
- Are there any differences in absorption between tablets and capsules?
- Which form is easier to swallow, tablet or capsule?
- Can you crush a tablet but not a capsule?
- What are the common uses for tablets and capsules?
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.