Why do pills come in capsules

See also Introduction to Administration and Kinetics of Drugs Introduction to Administration and Kinetics of Drugs Drug administration is the giving of a drug by one of several means routes. Drug kinetics pharmacokinetics describes how the body handles a drug and accounts for the processes of absorption Absorption affects bioavailability—how quickly and how much of a drug reaches its intended target site of action.

Factors that affect absorption and therefore bioavailability include. A drug product is the actual dosage form of a drug—a tablet, capsule, suppository, transdermal patch, or solution. It consists of the drug active ingredient and additives inactive ingredients. The active ingredient is the chemical substance the drug that is taken to produce the desired effect such as lowering blood pressure.

The additives inactive ingredients such as diluents, stabilizers, disintegrants, and lubricants are mixed with the drug to make it easier to swallow or help break it up in the gastrointestinal tract. The type and amount of additives and the degree of compression affect how quickly the tablet disintegrates and how quickly the drug is absorbed. Drug manufacturers adjust these variables to optimize absorption.

Because drug products that contain the same drug active ingredient may have different inactive ingredients, absorption of the drug from different products may vary. It is not enough for them Bioequivalence ensures therapeutic equivalence that is, production of the same therapeutic effect , and bioequivalent products are interchangeable.

If a tablet releases the drug too quickly, the blood level of the drug may become too high, causing an excessive response.

If the tablet does not release the drug quickly enough, much of the drug may be eliminated in the feces without being absorbed, and blood levels may be too low.

Drug manufacturers formulate the tablet to release the drug at the desired speed. Capsules consist of drugs and additives within a gelatin shell. The shell swells and releases its contents when it becomes wet.

This usually occurs quickly. The size of the drug particles and the properties of the additives affect how quickly the drug dissolves and is absorbed. Medication related swallowing difficulties may be more common than we realise.

Pharmacy in Practice, December 2. Consensus guideline on the medication management of adults with swallowing difficulties. In: Foord-Kelcey G, editor. Guidelines — summarising clinical guidelines for primary care. Wright D et al. Prescribing medicines for patients with Dysphagia. A handbook for healthcare professionals.

Medicines Management and Older People- a guide for healthcare professionals. Edited by R Greenwall. August Medication in a liquid form can be a more appropriate format for those who suffer from swallowing difficulties. Get Ratings on the go and compare while you shop. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at Subscribers only Sign in or Subscribe now!

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