5
4
3
2
1
0
00
000
GRAMS
(ASPIRIN) .10
.16
.20
.26
.32
.52
.65
1.04
Figure 6-1. Sizes of hard capsules.
6-4.
STORING AND DISPENSING
a. Storing. Gelatin capsules become brittle when they are stored at low
humidity and they become soft, sticky, or liquid at high humidity. Consequently, empty
gelatin capsules, as well as filled ones should be stored in a cool, dry place in tight
containers.
b. Dispensing. Capsules should be dispensed in glass or plastic containers
that protect them from moisture and dust. Capsules that are adversely affected by the
atmosphere should be in a tightly closed container and the patient should be instructed
to keep the bottle tightly closed except when withdrawing a dose.
Section II. PILLS AND TABLETS
6-5.
PILLS
a. The word "pill" is probably one of the most misused words in pharmacy.
Invariably, a person will call a tablet, a capsule, or any other shaped solid medication for
oral administration a "pill." To many people, a pill is not a particular class of medication,
but rather many different- looking, variously shaped and sized little things that are to be
swallowed, dissolved in water, retained in the mouth, or chewed and swallowed.
Therefore, you should know what a pill really is. A pill is a spherical or oval form of oral
medication. It is made by incorporating a medication into a plastic or pliable mass,
rolling out this mass into a long pipe, cutting it into the specified number of pieces, and
rolling these pieces between the fingers or in a pill machine until they are globular. A
pill should be distinguished from tablets, capsules, and other forms of medication.
MD0809
6-4