Understanding the Difference Between Tablets and Capsules. Why Some Formulations Vary ?

In pharmaceutical research and drug development, the decision to formulate a medication as either a tablet or a capsule depends on several factors, each aimed at optimising efficacy, patient experience, and stability.

Nature of the Drug:

Certain drugs are more chemically stable when formulated as tablets. Tablets can offer greater protection from moisture and light, making them suitable for ingredients that degrade easily in such environments. On the other hand, drugs that are sensitive to gastric acid or require faster absorption may be placed in capsules, which dissolve more quickly in the stomach.

Release Profiles:

Tablets are often formulated to provide sustained release or extended-release mechanisms, allowing for gradual absorption over a longer period. This is particularly useful for conditions that require a steady medication level in the bloodstream. Capsules, on the other hand, are typically used for immediate-release formulations, where rapid action is needed.

Patient Convenience and Compliance:

Capsules are generally easier to swallow than tablets, making them a preferred choice for patients who have difficulty taking larger-sized medications. They also mask the taste of bitter or unpleasant-tasting drugs, improving compliance. Tablets can sometimes be split for dose adjustments, which is not possible with most capsules.

Complexity of Ingredients:

Some active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) require special encapsulation because they need to be mixed with liquids, oils, or are more potent in smaller doses, which are easier to manage in capsule form. Capsules can also hold powdered or granulated formulations, which might not compress well into a tablet.

Manufacturing Considerations:

Capsules are often more complex and expensive to manufacture due to the gelatin shell, while tablets are generally more cost-effective and can be produced on a larger scale. Tablets also offer more flexibility in shaping, imprinting, and coating, making them suitable for branding and identification.

In summary, the choice between tablets and capsules is influenced by the drug’s characteristics, desired release profile, patient preferences, and manufacturing feasibility. Each form serves a specific purpose, aimed at delivering the medication effectively while ensuring patient safety and convenience.

Regards,

Amit Katoch,

JAKSTAR PHARMA