What is typically easier to swallow and has a faster onset of action than a tablet?

A capsule is designed to encase powdered or liquid medication in a gelatin or other dissolvable shell, making it easier to swallow compared to a standard tablet. Capsules dissolve rapidly in the stomach, allowing for a quicker release of the medication into the bloodstream, thus resulting in a faster onset of action. This is beneficial for patients who may have difficulty swallowing larger tablets or who need immediate relief from symptoms.

In contrast, tablets are typically solid and can be larger and harder to swallow. They may also have a slower dissolution time in the gastrointestinal tract because they need to break down into smaller particles before the medication can be absorbed. Solutions are liquid forms of medication and generally do have a rapid onset, but they are not always easier to take than capsules for everyone. Caplets are elongated tablets and may not offer the same ease of swallowing or speed of action as capsules.