What is the difference between capsules and pills?
In our daily lives, we often come into contact with various drugs, of which capsules and pills are the two most common dosage forms. Although they look similar, there are significant differences in their structure, uses, and how they are taken. This article will compare the differences between capsules and pills in detail, and attach hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to help readers better understand these two pharmaceutical dosage forms.
1. Basic definitions of capsules and pills

Capsules and pills are two different pharmaceutical dosage forms that differ in their production processes, ingredients, and ways of taking them. Here are their basic definitions:
| Dosage form | definition |
|---|---|
| capsule | It consists of an outer capsule shell and an inner layer of drug powder or granules. The capsule shell is usually made of gelatin or other soluble materials. |
| pills | The drug powder and excipients are mixed and then pressed into solid tablets, which are mostly round or oval in shape. |
2. The main differences between capsules and pills
Here's how capsules and pills compare in a number of ways:
| Comparative item | capsule | pills |
|---|---|---|
| Production process | The drug is filled in the capsule shell | Drug powder pressed into tablets |
| How to take | Usually swallowed whole and not chewed | Can be swallowed whole or chewed (some pills) |
| Absorption speed | Faster, the drug is released quickly after the capsule shell dissolves | Slower and needs to be broken down in the stomach |
| Applicable people | Suitable for people with difficulty swallowing (some capsules can be opened) | Suitable for people who can swallow tablets |
| Saving conditions | Need to be protected from light and moisture, some capsules are sensitive to humidity | Relatively stable and not easily affected by the environment |
3. Hot topics and hot content on the entire network in the past 10 days
The following are hot topics that have been highly discussed across the Internet recently, covering health, technology, entertainment and other fields:
| hot topics | heat index | Main content |
|---|---|---|
| New breakthrough in AI medical technology | ★★★★★ | The application of artificial intelligence in disease diagnosis and treatment has attracted widespread attention. |
| The fourth dose of the new coronavirus vaccine | ★★★★☆ | Many countries have launched fourth-dose vaccination plans and discussed its necessity and effectiveness. |
| The concept of metaverse continues to heat up | ★★★★☆ | Technology giants have laid out their plans for the Metaverse, triggering investment and controversy. |
| A celebrity’s divorce | ★★★☆☆ | The divorce of entertainment stars has triggered heated discussions among netizens. |
| New energy vehicle sales surge | ★★★☆☆ | The global new energy vehicle market is performing brilliantly, and traditional car companies are accelerating their transformation. |
4. How to choose capsules or pills
The choice between capsules or pills should be decided based on personal needs and drug characteristics:
1.Absorption speed: If quick onset of action is required, capsules are usually a better choice.
2.Swallowing difficulty: For people who have difficulty swallowing, capsules may be easier to take.
3.drug stability: Certain medications are sensitive to moisture and are better suited to pill form.
4.Dosage flexibility: Capsules can be opened to take part of the contents, while pills are usually taken whole.
5. Summary
Capsules and pills each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be based on the characteristics of the drug and personal needs. Capsules are fast absorbed and flexible to take, making them suitable for people who need quick onset of action or have difficulty swallowing; pills are highly stable and easy to carry, making them suitable for patients who take medicine for a long time. No matter which dosage form you choose, you should follow your doctor's instructions and take the medicine correctly.
I hope that the comparison and analysis in this article can help everyone better understand the difference between capsules and pills and make more informed choices in actual medication.
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