Pillen

Pillen is the plural of pill in Dutch and is used in broader contexts to refer to small, solid dosage forms intended for oral administration. In pharmacology, pills include tablets and capsules, which may be compressed or enclosed in a shell. Tablets are solid blends that may be coated or formulated for controlled or delayed release; capsules enclose the active ingredient in a gelatin or vegetarian shell and can contain powders, granules, or oils. Caplets are a common form that resembles a tablet but has an oblong shape.

Each pill contains an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that provides the therapeutic effect, plus excipients such as binders, fillers, disintegrants, lubricants, and colorants that aid manufacture, stability, and delivery. Dosing is defined by the API, patient characteristics, and the intended use. Pills are typically swallowed with water, but some formulations are designed to dissolve in the mouth or to release the drug gradually over time.

Manufacture involves quality control to ensure consistent API content, uniformity, disintegration, and stability under storage conditions. Pills may be regulated as prescription medicines or over-the-counter products, depending on safety profiles, regulatory approvals, and potential for interactions or misuse.

Safety and storage considerations include possible allergic reactions to ingredients, interactions with other medicines, and adherence to the prescribed schedule. Pills are widely used for treatment, prevention, and supplementation across medical, nutritional, and supportive care contexts.