Difference Between
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Capsules vs. Tablets: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Capsules are gelatin cases containing powder or liquid medication, while tablets are compressed powders molded into solid forms.
Capsules vs. Tablets

Key Differences

Capsules are small, cylindrical medication forms that typically have a gelatinous outer shell. The gelatin can dissolve easily in the stomach, releasing the medication inside, which can be in liquid or powder form. Capsules are known for their smooth, easy-to-swallow surface, and can sometimes be opened to mix the contents with food or drink if the patient has difficulty swallowing.
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Nov 08, 2023
Tablets, on the other hand, are made by compressing powder into a firm, dense mass. They often include binders, fillers, and other ingredients to maintain their shape and release medication over a specified period. Some tablets are coated with sugar or similar substances to make them easier to swallow, and others are scored so they can be split easily for dosage adjustments.
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Capsules can offer a dosage form that masks the taste of the medication, as the gelatin shell has no flavor and dissolves quickly after swallowing. This makes capsules an attractive option for medications that might have an unpleasant taste or odor, providing a more palatable experience for the patient.
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In contrast, tablets may not always effectively mask the taste of the medication, although coatings are sometimes used to improve the flavor. Tablets can also offer extended-release options, where the medication is released slowly over time, something that is more challenging to achieve with standard capsules.
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Because capsules are sealed and airtight, they can be better suited for volatile or hygroscopic medications that might be sensitive to moisture or air. This ensures the stability and longevity of the medication contained within.
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Tablets, being more robust, are generally more durable than capsules and can withstand more handling without damage. This can make them more suitable for packaging and transportation, especially in environments where careful handling cannot be guaranteed.
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Comparison Chart

Composition

Gelatin shell containing powder/liquid
Compressed powder or granules
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Dissolution

Dissolve quickly in the stomach
May dissolve slowly or in specific conditions
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Taste

Generally tasteless due to the shell
Can have a noticeable taste unless coated
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Texture

Smooth, easy to swallow
Can be harder, may require coating for ease
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Release Mechanism

Immediate release unless specially designed
Can be designed for immediate or controlled release
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Capsules and Tablets Definitions

Capsules

A small gelatinous container that holds medication.
She took a vitamin D capsule with her breakfast.
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Tablets

A solid, compressed block of medicinal powder.
She took an aspirin tablet for her headache.
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Capsules

A short, concise summary of a topic or event.
He wrote a capsule of the day's news for the website.
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Tablets

A type of sugary confection, similar to fudge.
He enjoyed a piece of Scottish tablet with his tea.
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Capsules

A dry fruit that releases seeds when it opens.
The poppy's capsule split open to disperse its seeds.
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Tablets

A flat, portable computer with a touchscreen.
She downloaded books onto her tablet for the flight.
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Capsules

A detachable, protected enclosure for astronauts.
The capsule re-entered the Earth's atmosphere safely.
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Tablets

A slab or plaque, as of stone or ivory, with a surface that is intended for or bears an inscription.
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Capsules

A collection of essential, timeless clothing pieces.
Her capsule wardrobe made packing for trips an easy task.
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Tablets

A thin sheet or leaf, used as a writing surface.
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Capsules

A small soluble container, usually made of gelatin, that encloses a dose of an oral medicine or a vitamin.
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Tablets

A set of such leaves fastened together, as in a book.
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Capsules

(Anatomy) A fibrous, membranous, or fatty sheath that encloses an organ or part, such as the sac surrounding the kidney or the fibrous tissues that surround a joint.
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Tablets

A pad of writing paper glued together along one edge.
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Capsules

(Microbiology) A polysaccharide outer shell enveloping certain bacteria.
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Tablets

A lightweight, portable computer having a touchscreen as the method by which data is input.
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Capsules

A dry dehiscent fruit that develops from two or more united carpels.
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Tablets

A small flat pellet of medication to be taken orally.
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Capsules

The thin-walled, spore-containing structure of mosses and related plants.
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Tablets

A small flat cake of a prepared substance, such as soap.
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Capsules

A space capsule.
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Tablets

To inscribe on a tablet.
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Capsules

A brief summary; a condensation.
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Tablets

To form into a tablet.
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Capsules

Highly condensed; very brief
A capsule description.
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Tablets

Plural of tablet
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Capsules

Very small; compact.
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Tablets

A pad of paper for writing notes.
He jotted down his thoughts on a small writing tablet.
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Capsules

To enclose in or furnish with a capsule.
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Tablets

An inscribed piece of stone or metal commemorating an event.
A marble tablet at the site commemorates the battle.
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Capsules

To condense or summarize
Capsuled the news.
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Capsules

Plural of capsule
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What are tablets made of?

Tablets are made of compressed powder containing the medication and binders.
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Do capsules have a taste?

Capsules usually have no taste due to the gelatin shell.
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Do tablets have a taste?

Tablets can have a taste unless they're coated with a flavorless material.
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Are capsules easier to swallow than tablets?

Capsules are often considered easier to swallow because of their smooth surface.
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How long do capsules take to work?

Capsules typically work quickly as they dissolve fast in the stomach.
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Can capsules be broken open?

Some capsules can be opened to mix the contents with food or drink.
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How long do tablets take to work?

Tablets may work immediately or over time if they're designed for controlled release.
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Can you chew capsules?

Capsules are not meant to be chewed; they're designed to be swallowed whole.
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Can you chew tablets?

Some tablets can be chewed if they are chewable formulations.
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Are capsules vegetarian?

Vegetarian capsules are available, but not all capsules are vegetarian.
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Can tablets be split?

Many tablets are scored to allow them to be split easily for dosage adjustments.
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What are capsules made of?

Capsules are typically made of gelatin or a vegetarian equivalent.
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Why would a medication be in a capsule form?

Medications that are sensitive to moisture or have an unpleasant taste are often put in capsules.
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Are capsules considered more expensive than tablets?

Capsules can be more expensive to produce than tablets.
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Why would a medication be in a tablet form?

Tablets are cost-effective and can offer controlled-release options.
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How are tablets made?

Tablelets are made by compressing powder under high pressure.
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Do both capsules and tablets have expiry dates?

Yes, both forms come with expiry dates, and efficacy may reduce after this date.
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Can both capsules and tablets be over-the-counter?

Yes, both forms can be found in over-the-counter medications.
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Can you take half a capsule?

Taking half a capsule is not recommended as it can alter the dose and efficacy.
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Are tablets gluten-free?

Some tablets are gluten-free, but it depends on the inactive ingredients used.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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