pilule

Pilule is the French term for a pill or tablet, a solid oral dosage form containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient and excipients. In everyday French, pilule is used for a wide range of medicines taken by mouth, from pain relievers to antibiotics, as well as for contraceptive tablets. The word derives from Latin pilula, meaning a small ball or pellet.

In the context of contraception, the pilule most commonly refers to the oral contraceptive pill. These include combined oral contraceptives (estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills. Combined pills prevent pregnancy primarily by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, while progestin-only pills rely mainly on cervical mucus changes and endometrial effects. Pills are taken daily, typically at the same time of day, with ongoing cycles of placebo or low-dose tablets.

Other pilules exist as medications to treat various conditions; they come in various formulations (immediate-release, extended-release) and must be prescribed with attention to dosage, interactions, and contraindications. Common considerations include age, smoking status, cardiovascular risk, and history of thromboembolism, liver disease, or pregnancy.

Access and regulation vary by country; most medicines in pill form require a prescription or pharmacist guidance. Proper adherence, awareness of side effects, and medical consultation for persistent adverse effects or planned pregnancy are advised.