Why Pharmacies Should Offer Capsules Over Other Dosage Forms
Among the many types of medicinal drugs that pharmacies and dispensing practitioners offer – from tablets to ointments to aerosols – capsules consistently rank among the most widely used and popular, and it’s easy to see why. Capsules enjoy several advantages that other drug delivery products do not, including serving needs that are unique to individual patients. Below are the main reasons why pharmacies and medical providers should make capsules their primary form of medication delivery.
Capsules vs Other Forms of Drug Delivery
Capsules most often compete with tablets when deciding the ideal medication type. However, ointments and creams, liquids, and inhalants are other well-known ways to administer medicine for patients – and those may have their own unique benefits that capsules can’t replicate. While they each have their own strengths and weaknesses, capsules above all work as a versatile method of getting patients their medication. These advantages give manufacturers and pharmacies flexibility and can therefore cater to a larger audience of consumers.
Capsules Offer More Accessibility to Consumers
Capsules are an efficient and easily administered form of medication for patients. They can be digested without much trouble, as the capsule shell simply breaks down after it has been ingested, and the medicine is thus more quickly absorbed. By comparison, tablets take longer to deliver necessary drugs, and tablets that break down too slowly – or are incorrectly manufactured – will not release important medication or may cause stomach upset in patients.
Additionally, capsules are often free of ingredients that may be allergic to consumers. They are also odorless and tasteless – a plus when giving medicine to people with picky tastes, or even pets.
Capsules are often compounded – containing multiple ingredients – and because of this they may be quite large and difficult to swallow. If this is the case, patients may be able to open capsules and consume the ingredients by mixing them with other food or liquid.
Although the above are mostly benefits for patients, they reinforce the fact that capsules are very popular, giving all the more reason for consumers to prefer and request capsules from their medicine providers.
Capsules Offer a More Precise Way to Administer Unique Dosage Amounts
Capsules are effective for pharmacies because they make it possible for patients with unique dosage needs to receive their required medicine. It’s often the case that some individuals will require more or less of a drug than what commercially available products offer. Beside unique dosages, capsules are also beneficial for patients who cannot be treated with an FDA-approved medication.
Capsules Can Be Compounded with Other Medication
Along with making more specified dosages of medicine possible, capsules are excellent for compounding. Combining more than one ingredient ensures that patients receive all required medications. Besides this, compounding allows people to avoid ingredients that they may be allergic to in mass-produced alternatives.
Although these solutions can also be achieved by compounding certain forms, such as liquids, other popular medication types – like tablets – cannot achieve this same benefit. Lastly, compounding can also result in fewer pills that the patient needs to take.
Capsules Can Have Low Costs
Capsules are often either gelatin (animal origin) or vegetarian (from plant origin). Gelatin-based capsules cost less to produce, and these savings can also be passed from manufacturers – like Capsuline – to consumers. However, for individuals with dietary restrictions or who choose not to consume animal products, vegetarian capsules will be their primary choice. Although vegetarian capsules will carry a higher cost, they target a sizable portion of the consumer spectrum.
Capsules Are King
Although one might think of the consumer when it comes to the benefits of capsules, these advantages are also shared by pharmacies, hospitals, and other dispensing practices. Capsules are practical and offer flexibility for both the provider and the individual individuals. They are necessary for administering unique dosages and are effective for compounding with other medications needed by the patient. Additionally, they are easier to digest and are less likely to cause irritation or other negative reactions.
If you represent a pharmacy or health provider and are interested in learning more about capsules contact our Capsuline team today.
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