Silly question

[MadMike]

What’s the difference between capsules and caplets? Are they the same? What about gelcaps? Are they the same as one of those things?

[Whirlybird]

aren't they the same thing?

[TracyK]

I think they are the same thing. I think the term "caplet" is also just a trendy name for capsules created by marketers. I'm pretty sure in the pharmaceutical industry there are just capsules and tablets. If you really think about it...what is a caplet? How the heck can something be a cross between a capsule and a tablet? It's one or the other not both.

[Firefly77]

I think they're the same thing too. Aren't gelcaps just capsules with casings made out of gelatin?

[ChristySmiles]

That's not a silly question! It's hard to tell if there is a difference or not. That being said, there IS a difference between capsules and caplets just as there is a difference between tablets and caplets. A caplet is NOT another term for a tablet. Like a tablet, a caplet is a solid pill that is made up of compressed ingredients. However, unlike tablets, caplets are usually smooth, oval shaped and coated, making them generally easier to swallow.