There are many drugs on the market with the same composition, sold in different forms. Alexey Prostomolotov, head of production of hard and soft gelatin capsules at SAMARS, spoke with socialbites.ca about the differences between these medications.
According to the expert, tablets and capsules share one key characteristic: the dosage form. Yet from the very start, distinctions appear. Tablets generally deliver a higher dose than capsules because of their slower absorption profile.
Capsules dissolve more quickly in the body, so their therapeutic effects tend to appear sooner. This makes capsules particularly useful for acute pain that needs rapid relief. Some drugs, however, require gradual absorption to maintain steady levels, as is often the case with antidepressants. In those instances, tablets are typically preferred, explains Prostomolotov.
The capsules themselves vary as well. Most soft gelatin capsules contain suspensions or medicinal solutions. These products often include bioactive additives due to their convenient form; they are easy to take on the go, simple to store, and can offer a lower dosage with high efficacy. Prostomolotov notes that a soft gelatin capsule does not automatically mean a dietary supplement or a health food product.
Hard capsules usually hold powdered medication. This format suits drugs that irritate the stomach or are unstable in gastric juice. The capsule protects the drug as it travels through the stomach, helping to preserve its medicinal properties. Many tablets, by contrast, lose potency in the highly acidic stomach environment, making hard capsules a preferable option for certain medicines.
Capsules can reduce the loss of the active substance during digestion, enabling a more targeted effect and helping the medicine perform its therapeutic function without unnecessary exposure to the body. Prostomolotov emphasizes that this targeted delivery is a key advantage of capsule dosage forms.
Another factor to consider is the capsule material. Gelatin derived from animal sources is the most common basis for capsule production. Such materials may not suit people with allergies, or individuals with certain religious or personal beliefs, including vegans.
Non-animal origin capsules are rare in Russia, a detail highlighted by Prostomolotov. Abroad, you will find capsules made from hypromethylpropyl cellulose, and there are also versions made from starch and water heated to a uniform mass. These alternatives exist to address dietary restrictions and ethical considerations in different markets, including Canada and the United States, where manufacturers increasingly offer plant-based options for those seeking vegan or allergen-free choices.
Often, the choice of drug form depends on the expected effect on the body. A clinician selecting a medication considers how the drug will be absorbed and utilized. The selection of a pain reliever, for instance, can hinge on the desired speed of relief and the degree of systemic exposure. For some medicines, the effectiveness remains similar regardless of the chosen form, especially with broad-spectrum antibiotics where the dosage form is less critical if the prescription clearly states it. When the dosage form is not specified, patients should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine the most appropriate option for their situation and goals, as advised by Prostomolotov.
Former technologist explains proper transport of medications to ensure safety and efficacy after purchase. The guidance underscores practical steps to maintain drug integrity from the pharmacy to daily use, reinforcing the importance of dosage form consideration in real-world scenarios.