Which is better, capsule or tablet?

High Quality Natural Empty Capsule

Capsules vs. Tablets: Key Advantages and Disadvantages

I. Core Advantages of Capsules
Speed ​​of Onset
Disintegration in 10 Minutes: Accelerates drug release (tablets require over 30 minutes to dissolve), crucial for emergency situations such as angina medications (nitroglycerin) and migraine medications.
No Delayed Disintegration: Avoids the risk of tablet expulsion due to insufficient gastric acid.
Greater Ingredient Compatibility
Encapsulation of Oily Drugs: Liquid active ingredients such as fish oil and vitamin E can be directly filled (tablets require the addition of adsorbents to reduce potency).
Bitter/Odor Masking: The capsule shell physically isolates odors, reducing the patient's gag reflex (tablet coatings may crack, leaving a bitter taste).
Swallowability: Smooth Surface: Easy to swallow after lubrication with saliva, highly acceptable to children and the elderly.
No Sharp Edges: Prevents tablet edges from scratching the esophageal mucosa (especially critical for chemotherapy patients).

II. Irreplaceable Advantages of Tablets: Dominant Stability
Compression and Moisture Resistance: Tablets have a hardness of >50N, resulting in virtually no breakage during transportation (capsules are prone to deformation and cracking under pressure). High-temperature tolerance: No sticking when stored at 45°C (gelatin capsules soften at temperatures above 35°C).
Production cost advantages
Low raw material costs: Tablets do not require a gelatin shell, saving 30% of packaging material costs.
High-speed tableting: Single-line production capacity reaches 500,000 tablets/hour (capsule filling lines have half the efficiency).
Precise drug delivery control
Score-based dosing: Tablets can be broken apart for consumption (disassembling the capsule will contaminate the drug).
Multi-layer sustained-release technology: Achieve 8-12 hours of stepped drug release (capsules are difficult to fill in layers). 

III. Religious and Commercial Scenario Decisive Factors
Dimensions: Capsules and Tablets

IV. Ultimate Selection Guide
*Capsules:
First aid medications/painkillers requiring rapid onset
Active ingredients: oils or photosensitizers
Target users: children/those with swallowing difficulties
*Tablets:
Targeted for high-temperature and high-humidity regions (Southeast Asia, Africa)
Cost-sensitive mass-market medications (e.g., cold remedies)
Products for the vegan/halal market