What are the different types of pills?

In this article:

• Drug form
• Pill forms
• Tablet vs. capsule
• Durations
• Are certain forms better?
• The bottom line

In this article

• Drug form
• Pill forms
• Tablet vs. capsule
• Durations
• Are certain forms better?
• The bottom line

Oral medications come in many different forms, from tablets to liquids and even powders. Each one has benefits and drawbacks in terms of how well it works, how easy it is to use, and safety. But overall, they have the same goal: to treat or prevent illness.

Drug form and duration

So why do medications come in different forms? “The main purpose of putting a medication in a specific form is getting the drug to the site where it needs to be,” says Gina J. Ryan, Pharm.D., medical sciences liaison at Takeda Pharmaceuticals in Atlanta.

Dr. Ryan explains that some medications may not be effective in certain parts of the body. For example, stomach enzymes that help to break down protein in food also destroy some drugs. “That’s why you may have to give an injection,” Dr. Ryan says. “Or, there are some drugs that you give on the skin.” Certain medications, such as insulin, are only available in non-oral form. While others, such as cancer medications and birth control, are available in multiple forms, including injections, liquids, pills, and topical treatments.

A medication’s form can also affect its duration or how long it takes the body to break it down. Patches and extended-release tablets slowly release drugs into the body, increasing the product’s duration.

What are the different forms of oral medication?

Injections and patches are both forms of medication that bypass the gastrointestinal tract. Oral medications, such as oral contraceptives, benzodiazepines, central nervous system stimulants, and heart disease and high blood pressure medications, are taken by mouth. They typically don’t start working until they reach the stomach or bowel and enter the bloodstream.

Tablets

Tablets are medications mixed with a binder powder, then molded and pressed into a tablet form. Most tablets have a thin coating for easy swallowing, to help the drug dissolve in the stomach, or to protect the stomach. Enteric-coated tablets are absorbed in the small intestine. There are different types of tablets:

• Chewable tablets dissolve and are absorbed rapidly in the stomach, offering a quick onset of action. They may come in different flavors.
• Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) dissolve on the tongue. They go directly into the bloodstream and work the fastest, such as with certain anti-nausea and migraine medications.
• Sublingual tablets go under the tongue. They’re also quick-acting; one example is nitroglycerin tablets, which are used to quickly alleviate chest pain.
• Effervescent tablets are dissolved in liquid, and then the mixture is swallowed.

Capsules

Capsules are a solid dosage form. The medication is enclosed in a hard (hard capsule) or soft shell (soft capsule) that breaks down in the digestive tract. Hard capsules typically contain a powder or granules inside a two-piece shell, Soft capsules, also called gel capsules or gel caps, contain a liquid or semisolid and come in a one-piece shell. Gel caps can be made from animal products (gelatin from beef or pork) or vegetarian (plant cellulose or starch).

Spansules

Spansules are capsules that release medication at a steady rate over many hours. For example, the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication Dexedrine is a spansule containing dextroamphetamine. The initial dose is released promptly, and the remaining medication gradually enters the body.

Softgels

Softgels, also known as liquid gels, are similar to soft capsules, except the medication is suspended in gelatin or a similar substance. The medication is liquid or semi-solid.

Liquids

Liquid medications are for those who have trouble swallowing a tablet or capsule, such as older adults and young people. They must be measured precisely (with a proper medicine measuring device as opposed to a kitchen teaspoon). They’re less portable than solid dosage forms.

Granules or powders

Granules are mixed into water or a small amount of soft food like yogurt, while powders often come pre-measured in packets and are designed to be dissolved into water. Some products, like Mucinex Mini-Melts, dissolve on the tongue and do not require water or food. People who have trouble swallowing pills may prefer granules or powders.

Gums

Medicated gums, such as nicotine gums to help stop smoking, are medications designed to be chewed like regular gum. When chewed, the active ingredient is released. Then, it is absorbed through the oral mucosa (gums, cheek, and under the tongue) and into the bloodstream.

Films

Orally disintegrating films (ODFs) are thin, flexible sheets that dissolve quickly on the tongue, allowing for rapid absorption through the mouth and into the bloodstream.

Lozenges

Medication lozenges, also known as troches, dissolve slowly in the mouth. Like films, gums, and ODTs, the active ingredient is absorbed through the oral mucosa and enters the bloodstream.

Tablet vs. capsule: Which is better?

Experts say there are no true pros or cons of each of these pill forms, only what works best for the person taking them. If you’re standing in the pharmacy aisle torn between Advil tablets and Advil liqui-gel capsules, here are some things to keep in mind about each:

• Shelf-life: Tablets and capsules tend to have a longer shelf-life than liquid dosage forms. Check the package for the exact expiration date.
• Ease of swallowing: Some people prefer tablets, and others prefer capsules, but again, this depends on the drug. There are some tiny tablets that are easy to swallow, and then there are “horse pills.” Often, over-the-counter drugs show a picture on the box of the pill in its actual size and appearance, which will give you an idea of how easy the medicine will be to swallow. Coated tablets may be easier to swallow than uncoated ones, but coated tablets cannot always be chewed, crushed, or divided. Also, sometimes an uncoated one is needed—such as when you have to chew an aspirin if you think you’re having a heart attack.
• Price: The price involves factors like whether the medicine is brand or generic and how many pills are in the bottle.
• Dividing the dose: If you need to split the dose, you will need to go with a tablet because capsules can’t be split. However, some tablets are extended-release and cannot be divided. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for more information, or ask your pharmacist.

Your pharmacist can help you with any questions you have about various formulations.

What are the different medication durations?

Many medications come in two different forms—immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER).

Immediate-release

As the name suggests, immediate-release medications work quickly to relieve symptoms. The downside is relief may only last a few hours before the medication starts to taper off. This type of medication may require multiple doses throughout the day.

Extended-release

Extended-release medications offer a slower delivery and have a sustained effect for a longer period, often up to 12 or 24 hours, with one dose. When available, once-a-day dosing may be more convenient, especially for complex drug therapies. “There’s less chance of missing a dose compared to taking a medication two to four times a day,” says Sophia De Monte, RPh, a staff pharmacist at Costco.

Choosing extended-release or immediate-release depends on you and your healthcare provider’s goals. “If you have a headache, you want immediate relief. But if you’ve had a major procedure and know that you’re going to be in pain for a long time, you may take an extended-release preparation to manage your pain for the duration of your recovery,” Dr. Ryan says.

Other factors, such as a person’s age and their liver and kidney health, which affect how the body breaks down and gets rid of medications, also help to determine whether extended-release versus immediate-release medications may work better.

Are certain medication forms better?

The best form is the one that’s most effective for the person taking it. Adult medications tend to offer more variety, while most pediatric medications are either in a liquid or chewable form.

Pill-swallowing tips

One in three people have trouble swallowing pills and end up gagging, vomiting, or choking. This may cause them to stop taking their medication, which can worsen their condition.

In a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine, researchers tested different swallowing methods with pills of different shapes and sizes. They found two techniques that help people get pills down more easily.

1. For tablets: pop-bottle method

Fill a plastic water or soda bottle with water and place the tablet on the tongue. Close your lips tightly around the opening of the bottle, and with a quick sucking motion, swallow the water and tablet without letting air into the bottle. The action should cause the bottle to squeeze in on itself. This technique helps to avoid the conscious act of swallowing.

2. For capsules: lean-forward method

Put the capsule on your tongue and take a medium sip of water, but don’t swallow yet. Bend your head forward by tilting your head toward your chest. Swallow the capsule and water with your head bent forward.

Some people crush pills or open capsules and mix them into a soft food like applesauce or pudding for easier swallowing. Experts don’t recommend this for all medications, especially extended-release drugs. Crushing them can release the medication too quickly and cause side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist first.

The bottom line

When it comes to managing medical conditions, understanding the different forms of oral medications available can help you make informed decisions to enhance your overall health and wellness. Whether it’s tablets, capsules, liquids, or suppositories, each medication form serves a unique purpose in delivering medications effectively to address specific health needs.Consulting a healthcare professional can help you find the most suitable medication form based on your individual preferences and treatment needs. If you have questions about a specific medication, contact your local pharmacist or the FDA’s drug information pharmacists via email at druginfo@fda.hhs.gov or phone at 1-855-543-3784 or 1-301-796-3400.