It seems like there are thousands of different formulations for over-the-counter meds these days—gelcaps, quick-dissolve tabs, and more. And those differences aren't just to make them look pretty, said Elsa-Grace V. Giardina, MD, a cardiologist, clinical pharmacologist, and professor at Columbia University Medical Center. Deciding if capsules versus tablets, or other forms of meds is an important decision. Here are some you might see:
Getty Images
(such as Advil Liqui-Gels or Claritin Liqui-Gels)
*What they do: Soft, flexible gelatin capsules hold liquid—which may be absorbed more quickly than regular pills.
*Good if...you have trouble swallowing meds. "Gelcaps are easier to swallow than hard tablets, though they have to be bigger to fit in the same amount of formula," said Stephen Ross, MD, a family physician at the Santa Monica–University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center.
Juanmonino/Getty Images
(such as Claritin RediTabs; Alavert Orally Disintegrating Tablets)
*What they do: When placed under the tongue, the tablet dissolves, and the medication enters your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth.
*Good if...you need fast relief. "Medicines that dissolve under the tongue get absorbed quicker than other forms," said Dr. Ross. Not many companies make meds in this form because it can be hard to make them taste OK.
Istockphoto
(such as Advil Coated Tablets; Bayer Safety Coated Aspirin)
*What they do: The smooth coating helps tablets go down easier and can also delay absorption. For instance, said Dr. Giardina, enteric-coated aspirin dissolves in the small intestine rather than the stomach, where it could cause irritation.
*Good if...you have difficulty swallowing traditional tablets, need a time-sensitive med, or take aspirin daily (such as for heart health).
Advil Liqui-Gels act fast to relieve headaches, menstrual and back pain, in addition to migraine pain and migraine symptoms of nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
FOR FAST AND EFFECTIVE RELIEF OF:
- migraine pain
- migraine symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound and nausea
- headache
- menstrual pain
- backache
- toothache pain
- pain of inflammation associated with arthritis or physical overexertion
- muscle & joint pain
And for reduction of fever.
PURPOSE: Pain reliever / fever reducer
For more information please see the product insert
Meet Our Partners
As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.
Trailblazer
Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000
Visionary
Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.
Pioneer
Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.
Pacesetter
Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.
Signature
Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.
Supporting
Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.
Purpose: Ibuprofen liquigel has been believed to provide faster analgesic effect. However, comparative studies evaluating the efficacy of liquigel versus regular tablets are not available. Hence, we carried out a systematic review and a meta-analysis to compare the onset of action and efficacy of over-the-counter doses of ibuprofen liquigel (IBULG) vs ibuprofen tablets (IBUT). Methods. Published clinical trials of IBULG and IBUT were identified through a systematic search of various data bases up to October, 2015.
Results: In total 18 eligible studies on IBUT and 4 on IBULG were found. There was no significant difference in the median time to the first perceptible pain relief or the proportion of patients with more than 50% pain relief between the two products. However, IBULG yielded significantly greater odd ratios in meaningful pain relief at 60, 90 and 120 min, but not at 30 min, as compared with IBUT. Conclusion. The available evidence, although not overwhelming, suggest a faster onset of analgesia for liquigel as compared with tablets. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.