Pronunciation: [pˈɪljuːl] (IPA) 
The word "pillule" refers to a small pill. It is pronounced /ˈpɪljul/ with emphasis on the first syllable, followed by a short i sound, and ending with a stressed yoo sound. The spelling of the word is derived from the Latin word "pilula" which means "a little ball". The spelling may seem unusual, but it is pronounced phonetically, making it easy for anyone to properly understand and pronounce the word.
A pillule, also referred to as a pill or tablet, is a solid dosage form of medication that is cylindrical or disc-shaped, often small in size and easily swallowable. It is typically composed of medicinal substances, along with certain excipients or bulking agents, compressed into a specific shape to facilitate oral administration. Pillules can vary in shape, color, and size, depending on the type and purpose of the medication they contain.
These solid pharmaceutical forms are commonly used in the medical field for their convenience, ease of storage, accurate dosing, and improved drug stability. Pillules are widely utilized for delivering a wide range of medicinal compounds, such as analgesics, antibiotics, vitamins, and contraceptives. They are particularly popular because of their ability to ensure precise dosage, often by incorporating a predetermined amount of active ingredient(s) within each individual unit, guaranteeing consistent and uniform dosing.
Although pillules are primarily associated with oral administration, they can also be designed for other routes of drug delivery, such as sublingual or buccal absorption, where they dissolve or disintegrate directly in the mouth or against the cheek. These alternative administration methods offer advantages, such as rapid drug absorption and avoidance of first-pass metabolism.
In summary, a pillule is a solid medication form, usually small and cylindrical, designed for oral administration. They offer convenience, accuracy, and stability in drug delivery and are widely utilized across various therapeutic classes.
The word "pillule" comes from the Latin word "pilula", which means "a small ball". This term was then borrowed into Old French as "pelote" and eventually evolved into "pillule" in Middle English. The suffix "-ule" is derived from Latin and is used to denote something small or diminutive. Therefore, "pillule" essentially means a small, rounded medicinal tablet.
