Tablet vs Capsule: Difference and Comparison

Tablets and Capsules are both oral medications and are extremely popular in-demand oral pharmaceutical dosages. Doctors mainly prescribe medicine in the form of Tablets and Capsules.

Tablets and Capsules are both different forms of medication we take in case of any disease or sickness. Although both Tablets and Capsules are oral medications and almost work in a similar way, they differ from each other in many ways.  

Key Takeaways

  1. Capsules and tablets are both pharmaceutical dosage forms.
  2. Tablets are hard and rigid, while capsules are small shells containing medicine.
  3. Tablets can be split in half to adjust the dosage, while capsules cannot be split.

Tablet vs Capsule 

The difference between Tablet and Capsule is that Tablet is a type of oral dosage that can be cut or crushed. On the other hand, Capsule is a type of oral dosage that has to be swallowed because Capsules cannot be cut or crushed. Also, Tablets are cheap compared to Capsules, which are quite expensive.  

Tablet vs Capsule

Tablets are the most commonly used oral pharmaceutical dosage prescribed by doctors in the case of any illness or disease. They are cheaper, safe, and easy to use. Tablets are flat, disc-shaped, or round.

They can be cut or crushed, and they do not get absorbed immediately into the bloodstream when swallowed. Tablets take more time to show any response.  

Capsules are oral pharmaceutical dosages prescribed by doctors in case of any illness. They are expensive compared to cheap tablets. Capsules are only cylindrical, and they cannot be cut or crushed.

Hence, capsules have to be swallowed. Capsules have a drug that is known to enter the bloodstream immediately when swallowed. Capsules show a faster response compared to Tablets. 

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonTablet  Capsule  
 Division  Tablets can be crushed and cut into as many pieces as required.   Capsules cannot be broken or cut into two pieces. They have to be swallowed.  
 Price    Tablets are cheap compared to Capsule.  Capsules are expensive. 
 Shape    Tablets are round, flat, or disc-shaped.  Capsules are cylindrical in shape. 
Absorption   Tablets have sugar or a similar coating, and hence, the drug contained in it does not get immediately absorbed into the bloodstream when swallowed.   Capsules have a drug that is known to enter the bloodstream immediately after being swallowed. 
 Potential    Tablets can retain their potential for a long time.  Capsules have lesser potential compared to Tablets.  
 Response    Tablets take time to show any response.  Capsules show response faster than Tablets. 
 Form    Tablets are made by compressing one or more powdered ingredients in the form of a solid.   Capsules contain a jelly or powdery substance enclosed in a plastic container that can be dissolved.  
 Size   Tablets can be found in different shapes and sizes.  Capsules are found or are available only in one size. 
 Shelf- life   Tablets have a higher shelf life.  Capsules have a lesser shelf life compare to Tablets.  

What is Tablet? 

Tablets are the most commonly used oral pharmaceutical dosage prescribed by doctors in the case of any illness or disease. Tablets are made by compressing one or more powdered ingredients in the form of a solid.

They can be found in different shapes and sizes and are round, flat, or disc-shaped.  

Tablets have sugar or a similar coating, and hence, the drug contained in it does not get immediately absorbed into the bloodstream when swallowed.

Tablets have a high shelf life and can retain their potential for a long time. Tablets are cheaper compared to Capsules.  

Tablets can be crushed or cut into as many pieces as required. Kids might find it difficult to Swallow Tablets. Tablets take time to show any response.  

tablet

What is Capsule?  

Capsules are oral pharmaceutical dosages prescribed by doctors in case of any illness. They are expensive compared to cheap tablets.

Capsules contain a jelly or powdery substance enclosed in a plastic container that can be dissolved. Capsules are found only in one size and are cylindrical.  

Capsules consist of a drug that is known to enter the bloodstream immediately after being swallowed. They have a lesser shelf-life compared to Tablets, and they cannot retain their potential for a longer time.  

Capsules cannot be crushed or cut into any number of pieces. They have to be swallowed for their consumption.

Swallowing Capsules is easier for kids as the powder in a capsule can be taken out and mixed in water, which can then be taken. Capsules can show a response immediately after being swallowed.  

Capsule

Main Differences Between Tablet and Capsule

  1. Tablets are available in different shapes and sizes, whereas Capsules are available only in one size.  
  2. Tablets have sugar or a similar coating, and hence, the drug contained in it does not get immediately absorbed into the bloodstream when swallowed, whereas, Capsules consist of a drug that is known to get immediately absorbed in the bloodstream.  
  3. Tablets can be crushed or cut into as many pieces as required, whereas, Capsules cannot be cut or crushed and have to be swallowed.  
  4. Tablets are made by compressing one or more powdered ingredients in the form of a solid, whereas, Capsules contain a jelly or powdery substance enclosed in a plastic container that can be dissolved.  
  5. Tablets have a higher shelf-life compared to Capsules, which have a lesser shelf-life.  
  6. Tablets can retain their potential for a long time, whereas Capsules cannot retain their potential for a longer time.  
  7. Tablets are cheaper compared to Capsules, which are quite expensive.  
  8. Tablets are round, flat, or disc-shaped, whereas Capsules are only cylindrical.  
  9. Tablets take time to show any response, whereas Capsules can show a response immediately.  
  10. Tablets can be difficult to swallow, whereas, Capsules can be swallowed easily.  
Difference Between Tablet and Capsule
References
  1. https://europepmc.org/article/med/10678137 
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7398871/ 

Last Updated : 24 July, 2023

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20 thoughts on “Tablet vs Capsule: Difference and Comparison”

  1. This article provides a clear and concise comparison of tablets and capsules, shedding light on their unique features and functionalities.

    Reply
    • Indeed, Lmurray. It’s a well-researched piece that delves into the nuances of these two oral pharmaceutical dosages.

      Reply
  2. The elucidation provided in this article regarding the differences between tablets and capsules is meticulous and enlightening, offering valuable insights into their unique characteristics and functionalities.

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  4. The article’s detailed comparison highlights the distinct characteristics of tablets and capsules, offering an insightful analysis that is both educational and illuminating for readers seeking comprehensive information on the topic.

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  6. I appreciate how this article outlines the critical differences between tablets and capsules, making it easier for readers to understand the distinctions between the two forms of medication.

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  7. The thoroughness of the comparison between tablets and capsules in this article is commendable, reflecting the author’s dedication to providing an in-depth understanding of these pharmaceutical dosages.

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