Melatonin tablets and melatonin capsules are the most common forms of taking melatonin orally. But which is better tablets or capsules generally?
Tablets and capsules are used to treat an array of different conditions and work by providing the body with medication through the digestive tract. Although they serve the same purpose, there are several differences between the kind of medications and the people they are best suited for. In order to get your medication online without hurdles, we have listed key differences between the two.
What are Capsules?
Capsules are a form of medication that’s enclosed in an outer shell. This shell breaks once the capsule gets to the intestines, releasing the medication which is then absorbed and metabolized in the bloodstream.
What Do Capsules Look Like?
Capsules can be found in either soft gel or hard shell forms. The latter is made of two halves where one fits into the other in order to create a closed case. The hard shell is usually filled with a pellet or powder and sometimes liquid medication.
Soft gel capsules, on the other hand, differ in that they tend to be wider, semi-transparent, and contain liquid medication that’s easy to digest and absorb into the bloodstream.
Capsules are excellent for extended-release or dual-action medication.
What are Tablets?
Tablets are undoubtedly the most common form of medication. They provide an inexpensive, but effective manner to deliver medication orally. They are made by compressing powdered ingredients together in order to make a solid, smooth pill that’s easy to break down in the alimentary canal.
How Do You Consume Tablets?
Tablets are usually consumed with water and, depending on the medication type, with or without food. You will also come across chewable tablets, which are meant for specific forms of medication.
How Do Tablets Work?
Tablets usually have a coating around the pill to ascertain the ingredients are absorbed correctly in the gut at the intended time. The dissolved pill ultimately makes its way into the bloodstream, where it travels to the liver and distributed to the intended area in your body.
What Do Tablets Look Like?
Tablets tend to have one or more active ingredients, but they have additional substances meant to hold them together and improve the taste or texture. They can be made to take the form of round shapes, oblongs or disc shapes. Many come with a line across them, making it easier to split into two where the half dose is needed.
Melatonin Tablets Vs. Melatonin Capsules: The Pros & Cons of Caps vs Tabs Generally
Simply put, no form of medication is ‘better’ than the other. Whether you take a tablet or capsule will depend on the type of medication and the manufacturer will have put the benefits and downsides of both into consideration. This is as true with melatonin capsules and melatonin tablets as any other form of tablet or capsule.
The Pros of Tablets
Tablets tend to be shelf-stable, with a longer lifespan compared to capsules. Also, one tablet can accommodate a higher medication dose than a capsule. This makes them better suited for medications where a higher dose is needed. Tablets can also be split in half, with some even being chewable. This makes them well-suited for individuals who struggle with swallowing full tablets.
The Pros of Capsules
On the contrary, capsules are tasteless, fast-acting, and tamper-free as they cannot be split in half or crushed like tablets. In addition, they provide higher bioavailability meaning they can be absorbed into the body more effectively.
The Cons of Tablets
Tablets also have their fair share of downsides. They are more likely to cause irritation to the gut and are slow to take effect. Since they have higher chances of breaking down inconsistently, they can result in a lower absorption rate and many individuals find them less palatable.
The Cons of Capsules
On the other hand, capsules are less durable compared to tablets and are susceptible to humidity. They are also more expensive, to both make and purchase. They may also contain animal products like gelatin, making them undesirable for vegetarians and vegans.
Capsules Vs. Tablets – Which is Safer?
Neither form of medication is considered safer than the other and both present just minor risks. However, if you are concerned about the ingredients in either capsules or tablets, it is advisable to consult your pharmacists or general practitioner before consuming the medication. If you are sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients, tell your doctor and they will most likely prescribe an alternative option.
With this guide, hopefully, you have learned a lot about capsules and tablets, their pros, cons, and differences.