Capsule vs. Tablet: Differences, Pros and Cons, Tips

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Both capsules and tablets deliver medication via your digestion tract to treat various health concerns. Capsules are encased in a hard or soft shell, whereas tablets are made entirely of medication. There are several advantages and disadvantages of both medications: Tablets usually hold higher doses of the drug but might irritate your gut and take longer to work. Capsules, in contrast, are absorbed quickly but usually hold smaller doses.

There are many different formulations, including capsules, gelcaps, quick-dissolve tabs, and more. Read on to learn about the differences and benefits of these medications.

Capsules are medications that are held in either a hard or soft shell. The shell breaks down when it enters your digestive system. Your bloodstream absorbs the medication. Your liver metabolizes the drug and then distributes it to different areas of your body.

Hard-shelled capsules have two halves: One half of the shell sits inside of the other half. Hard-shelled capsules contain dry ingredients like powder or small pellets. Some hard-shelled capsules are filled with liquid medication. These capsules typically contain more than one drug or release the drug slowly over time (extended-release).

Soft-gel capsules, or liquid gels, are larger and more transparent than hard-shelled capsules. They can have a liquid, suspension (for example, active ingredient suspended in oil), or semisolid on the inside.

Pros of capsules include:

Cons of capsules include:

Tablets, in contrast to capsules, are made entirely of medication. Manufacturers compress dry medication into solid pills that are available in several shapes. Tablets might contain additives to help maintain the shape and improve the taste. Many tablets are scored, so you'll often find a line in the middle of tablets, which makes it easy to split them in half. Caplets are tablets that are capsule-shaped (oblong) for easier swallowing.

As with capsules, the medication is broken down when it enters your digestive system. Your bloodstream absorbs the medication, and your liver metabolizes it.

Some tablets have a coating that allows them to remain intact in the stomach so they can break down in the small intestine rather than the stomach. This is called an enteric coating. You can also purchase chewable or dissolvable tablets, which break down in your mouth and absorb faster.

Pros of tablets include:

Cons of tablets include:

There are some risks to consider with the safety of capsules and tablets. Capsules, for example, often contain fewer added ingredients than tablets but may have additives. Soft-gel capsules typically contain gelatin that's made of synthetic ingredients. Check the label if you follow a vegetarian, vegan, or kosher diet.. These capsules might contain animal products.

Tablets usually contain several ingredients to maintain shape and improve flavor. It's important to check the label if you have an allergy or sensitivity to certain ingredients.

Keep in mind that crushing tablets or opening capsules can affect the efficacy and potency of the drug. Crushing tablets with an enteric coating can destroy it, causing the drug to break down in the stomach. This might cause stomach irritation.

Crushing or opening extended-release tablets and capsules might cause your body to absorb the drug too quickly. This increases the risk of an overdose, which can be dangerous.

It can be difficult to swallow capsules and tablets: Soft-gel capsules are often large, and tablets are usually hard. Here are some tips to easily swallow pills:

If the manufacturer allows, break or crush the tablet or open the capsule and sprinkle it in soft food like applesauce or pudding. Some pills, like enteric-coated and extended-release, cannot be altered because doing so will affect the properties of the drug, like how it is absorbed and how much is absorbed. Ask your pharmacist if you're unsure if this is allowed for a certain medication.

There are pros and cons to capsules and tablets, and one is not necessarily better. Whether capsules or tablets are right for you depends on several factors. You might prefer capsules, for example, if the taste of tablets bothers you. You may opt for tablets, in contrast, if you want to cut down on the cost of medication.

Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure whether capsules or tablets are right for you. They can help determine what type of medication fits your needs best.

Capsules and tablets both deliver medication via your digestive tract. Tablets are made entirely of medication, and capsules are encased in a hard or soft shell. There are pros and cons to each type of formulation. It might help to talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist about your needs to see whether capsules or tablets are right for you.

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