Capsules vs Tablets
The doctors prescribe medicines in the form of capsules and tablets. A tablet is in the form of flat tablets and a capsule is almost cylindrical.
Tablets can be cut into two, whereas capsules cannot be cut into two. A capsule consists of powder or jelly enclosed in a dissolvable gelatin container. A tablet is a compressed powder in solid form.
Tablets are coated with sugar or similar substances, which means that the drug contained in it will not immediately enter the blood stream. But, the drug in the capsules is known to enter the blood stream immediately.
Tablets are known to be less expensive when compared to capsules. They are manufactured by compressing and packing the materials by great force. The Tablets are also known to have more shelf life and retain its potential for a longer period than the capsules. Moreover, tablets are available in different sizes and shapes. The only drawback that can be seen with tablets is that large tablets can be hard to swallow. Here the only means to take the tablet is to break it or crush it to powder.
When compared to tablets, capsules are easy to swallow. People who find it hard to swallow the capsule can just open it and mix the contents into a drink. This is beneficial when capsules have to be administered to children. Capsules have less potential and do not come in different shapes.
Summary
1. A capsule consists of powder or jelly enclosed in a dissolvable plastic container. A tablet is a compressed powder in solid form.
2. Tablets can be cut into two, whereas capsules cannot.
3. Tablets are coated with sugar or similar substances, which means that the drug contained in them will not immediately enter the blood stream.But, the drug in the capsule is known to enter the blood stream immediately.
4. Tablets are also known to have more shelf life and also retain its potential for a longer period than the capsules.
5. Tablets are available in different sizes and shapes. Capsules have less potential and do not come in different shapes.
6. Tablets are known to be less expensive when compared to capsules.
7. When compared to tablets, capsules are easy to swallow.