The word "pharmaceutical capsule" is spelled as /fɑrməˈsuːtɪkəl ˈkæpsuːl/. The first syllable "phar" is pronounced as /fɑr/ with the "ph" sound and the "a" sound followed by the "r" sound. The second syllable "ma" is pronounced as /mə/ with a short "a" sound. The third syllable "ceu" is pronounced as /su/ with a "s" sound and a "u" sound. The fourth syllable "ti" is pronounced as /tɪ/ with a short "i" sound. The last syllable "cal" is pronounced as /kəl/ with a "k" sound and a short "a" sound.
A pharmaceutical capsule is a type of solid dosage form used for the administration of medication. It is a small, cylindrical-shaped container made of gelatin or a similar substance, which encloses a measured amount of medication in the form of powder, liquid, or pellets. The capsule is intended to be ingested orally, allowing the medication to be delivered to the body in a controlled and convenient manner.
Pharmaceutical capsules typically consist of two halves, known as the body and the cap, which fit together to form a complete unit. The body of the capsule holds the medication, while the cap seals the content inside, ensuring its stability and preventing any interaction with the environment. This design offers protection to sensitive drugs from degradation and preserves their efficacy.
The gelatin material used to make the capsule is derived from animal sources, such as bovine or porcine, or may also be produced using plant-based alternatives for vegetarian or vegan options. However, some capsules can be made from synthetic polymers.
Pharmaceutical capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry due to their versatility and ease of administration. They are often preferred over tablets for certain medications, as they can be easier to swallow, especially for individuals who have difficulty swallowing larger or solid dosage forms. Additionally, capsules allow for customized formulations, such as extended-release or enteric-coated medications, which can enhance therapeutic outcomes by providing controlled release or protecting the drug from stomach acid.
The word "pharmaceutical" originates from the Greek word "pharmakeutikos", which means "of drugs". It comes from the root word "pharmakon", which broadly refers to medicine or drug.
The term "capsule" has a slightly different origin. It comes from the Latin word "capsula", meaning "small box" or "container". In medicine, a capsule is a solid dosage form consisting of a shell or container that encloses medication in the form of powders, granules, or pellets.
Hence, the term "pharmaceutical capsule" combines the roots of "pharmaceutical" from Greek and "capsule" from Latin to refer to a specific form of drug delivery in a container.