In the case of oral medication, both capsules and tablets are very popular choices. They deliver a certain supplement or drug into your digestive tract. Although both capsules and tablets work in a parallel manner, there are some key differences within them as well. It’s better to know which one to choose for better suitability to your body.
Capsules vs Tablets
The main difference between capsules and tablets is that capsules, when swallowed, get absorbed into the bloodstream immediately and show response. In comparison, tablets are generally coated with sugar or some kind of chemicals that do not let the tablet break faster and hence do not get absorbed into the bloodstream immediately or show response. The price of the capsules is generally high, compared to relatively cheaper tablets.
Capsules constitute jelly or powdery substances within a plastic container, which gets dissolve later. Capsules can not be cut into any number of pieces. Capsules get absorbed into the bloodstream as soon as they enter. Capsules have a lesser shelf life in comparison to tablets. Capsules retain their potential for less time. Capsules are available in one size only. Capsules can be swallowed easily. Capsules work faster than tablets.
In tablets, the powder is compressed into a solid form. These can be broken into two or cut into any number of pieces as required. Tablets do not get absorbed immediately into the bloodstream when swallowed. They have more shelf life. They can retain their potential for a longer time and thus can be stored for a longer time as well. These are found in different sizes and shapes. They may create a problem for kids while swallowing. Tablets take time to show their response. Capsules are generally high compared to relatively cheaper tablets.
Comparison Table Between Capsules and Tablets
| Parameters of Comparison | Capsules | Tablets |
| Form | Constitute jelly or powdery substance within a plastic container, which gets dissolve later. | The powder in the case of a tablet is compressed into a solid form. |
| Division | Capsules can not be cut into any number of pieces. | Tablets can be broken into two or cut into any number of pieces as required. |
| Absorption | Capsules get absorbed into the bloodstream as soon as they enter. | Tablets do not get absorbed immediately into the bloodstream. |
| Shelf Life | Capsules have a lesser shelf life. | Tablets have more or higher shelf life. |
| Potential | Capsules retain their potential for less time. | Tablets retain their potential for a longer time. |
| Availability | Capsules are available in one size only. | Tablets can be found in different sizes and shapes. |
| Price | Capsules are expensive. | Tablets are relatively cheaper than capsules. |
| Intake method | Capsules can be swallowed easily. | Tablets may create a problem for kids while swallowing. |
| Action | Capsules work faster than tablets. | Tablets take time to show their response. |
What are Capsules?
Capsules are those medications that are enclosed within an outer shell. The outer shell gets dissolved inside the bloodstream after it breaks down in the digestive tract. It works almost similar to the tablets. Capsules are mainly of two types. Some capsules are hard-shelled whereas, some capsules are soft get.
The hard-shelled capsules are made up of two halves. Both the halves together make a closed casing, inside which dry medication or drug is present in pellet or powder form. Sometimes medication present inside the capsules is in liquid form too and thus called LFHC or liquid-filled hard capsules. Soft gel capsules are slightly wider and semi-transparent in appearance.