Pills

A pill is a pharmaceutical dosage form intended for oral administration. It is typically a small, solid medicine designed to be swallowed with water. The term historically referred to small spherical masses of medicine, but contemporary usage distinguishes tablets and capsules as the common forms.

Tablets are compressed mixtures of active ingredients and inactive excipients such as binders, disintegrants, fillers, and lubricants. They may be plain, film-coated, or enteric-coated to protect the drug or control release. Caplets are elongated tablets; capsules have hard or soft gelatin shells that enclose powders, pellets, or liquids.

Manufacture involves formulation, shaping by compression or encapsulation, and sometimes coating. Quality control tests assess potency, uniformity, hardness, disintegration, dissolution, and stability. Production and labeling are tightly regulated by agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency to ensure safety and efficacy.

Oral pills are typically swallowed, then dissolve in the stomach or intestine to release the active ingredient, which is absorbed through the intestinal lining. The rate and extent of absorption depend on formulation, coatings, and interactions with food. Some pills are designed for rapid relief, others for sustained release.

Safety and storage are important: keep pills in their original packaging, away from children, and follow dosing instructions. Excipients can cause allergies, and drugs can interact with other medicines or foods. Misuse or improper storage can reduce effectiveness or cause harm; consult a healthcare professional if unsure.