Here's a breakdown of its key features:
* Shape: It resembles a capsule, typically oblong or cylindrical.
* Composition: It's essentially a tablet with a coating. This coating can be made of gelatin, sugar, or other materials.
* Purpose: The coating helps to:
* Mask the taste of unpleasant medications.
* Protect the active ingredients from degradation.
* Allow for controlled release of the medication.
* Make swallowing easier.
In contrast to capsules:
* Capsules are typically filled with powder or granules, while caplets contain a solid tablet inside the coating.
* Capsules can sometimes be opened to release the contents, while caplets are generally not intended to be opened.
In summary: Caplets provide a convenient and often more palatable way to take medications.