Phentermine Capsules vs Tablets – What Works Better?

In this article, I will discuss how Phentermine capsules differ from Phentermine tablets in efficacy and which one you should opt for.

Capsules are more effective as they enable optimal drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract by allowing the slow release of Phentermine which exerts a prolonged effect of reducing hunger.

But does that mean Phentermine tablets do not deliver the desired results? And you won’t be able to shed as much as you could with capsules?

Let’s find out in the subsequent sections.

What Is The Difference Between A Capsule And Tablet?

Capsules and tablets differ in the way by which they deliver the prescribed drug to the target body organ or organ system. In capsules, the powder, liquid, or semi-solid drug is enclosed inside a protective, solid case. They usually have to be swallowed as a whole or administered via the rectum or vagina.

On the other hand, tablets are compressed powdered drugs that are either administered orally or sublingually.

Phentermine Capsules Vs. Tablets – Which Is Better?

Both capsules and tablets have their fair share of pros and cons, but capsules may score more points with respect to both efficacy and user bias. Nonetheless, tablets pose less risk of animal product allergens and have a better shelf life.

Below is a comparison of tablets and capsules based on their solubility, affordability, ingestion ease, durability, and bioavailability.

Dissolution And Wettability

Tablets dissociate faster into the free form of the drugs and hence, allow rapid uptake.

According to one research, the tablet formulations of the drug in higher loads show superior dissolution and wettability. Correspondingly, in one study, the in vitro (in lab) disintegration time of a capsule was measured at 2-3 minutes, whereas the tablets dispersed in just one minute.

The reason is that the shell of capsules takes longer to dissolve before releasing its drug constituents.

Cost

Capsules are more expensive than tablets because they have an additional cost of the shells attached to them.

Administration Ease

Capsules are the preferred pill with respect to user convenience, as they are more easily swallowed and do not leave behind a bad aftertaste as compared to tablets.

The shell of capsules tends to become more slippery after coming in contact with saliva, and it also prevents your tongue from tasting the bitterness of the drug. On the other hand, the whole tablet is, in fact, the drug, and it starts to dissolve in the mouth after getting wet, which is why it leaves a bad aftertaste.

Nonetheless, tablets may come in flavored chewable versions and are preferred for administering high doses as they can be split in half instead of having to push in one large capsule.

Apart from this, a survey of 1000 participants revealed that 54% of them prefer soft gel capsules, whereas only 13% prefer chewable tablets.

Phentermine Capsules vs Tablets – Shelf-life

Tablets are more durable and resistant to environmental conditions and may retain their potency for up to 2-3 years.

Correspondingly, according to GoodRx.com, capsules have to be stored away from sunlight and humidity as they may react to it, which may alter their potency, which is why they have a shorter expiration date.

Tablets vs Capsules – Bioavailability

Capsules are generally believed to have a higher bioavailability.

Here, ‘bioavailability’ refers to the effectiveness of the pill in delivering the drug into your bloodstream.

This can be justified because although tablets are rapidly disintegrated, their drug constituents are mixed with binders, lubricants, etc., and compressed into a solid disc that takes time to get converted into the free form of the drug.

On the other hand, the capsule encapsulates the active drug in free form (powder, liquid, semi-solid) and once the shell is out of the way, the drug is dispersed and absorbed quickly.

Additionally, the rapid disintegration of the tablet may compromise its absorption efficiency since some drug might get lost in the stomach before entering the small intestine from where it enters the blood.

In comparison, the drug enclosed in the capsule is protected from loss during gastrointestinal transit and is slowly released, promoting its optimum uptake into the blood.

Nonetheless, with the advancement in science, tablets have also become available in delayed-release (DR) and extended-release (ER) formulations.

Phentermine Capsules vs. Tablets – The Pros & Cons

Since you now know the difference between tablets and capsules so, here is a comparison of these two dosage forms with respect to Phentermine.

What Is The Most Effective Way To Take Phentermine? – Capsule Or Tablet?

In high doses, capsules are more effective as they offer extended appetite suppression. But for lower doses, phentermine tablets are the better option.

Phentermine is available as Wilpo (8 mg tablet), Ionamin (15 mg and 30 mg phentermine resin capsule), Fastin (30 mg capsule), and phentermine HCl 37.5 tablets and phentermine 37.5 capsules.

As mentioned above as well, the capsule form of Phentermine is slowly released, which will keep your hunger at bay for longer.

But if you are just starting the drug, then your doctor may recommend tablets because you can cut them and adjust the dose.

Likewise, studies have shown that phentermine resin capsule is absorbed approximately 3 times slower than phentermine HCl and has a prolonged peak concentration.

However, if all of this information makes you confused as to which option you should opt for, I’ve got a better solution for you – An OTC Phentermine Alternative that has much more to offer than just suppressing appetite!

FAQs

Which Phentermine Is The Strongest – Capsule Or Tablet Form?

The strongest dosage form of Phentermine is available in the 37.5 mg extended-release capsules.

How Long Do Phentermine Capsules Last?

According to drugs.com, Phentermine’s 30 mg capsule may suppress appetite for a good 12 to 14 hours due to its extended-release action.

What Are Phentermine Capsules’ Side Effects?

Phentermine capsules may cause digestive, psychological, neurological, cardiovascular, or hormonal disturbances. This may lead to side effects like high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, anxiety, diarrhea, headache, decreased sex drive, etc.

Phentermine 30mg Capsule Vs. 37.5 Mg – Which Is More Effective?

A higher dose of Phentermine does not guarantee better results, and the effectiveness of the dose is determined by how well it corresponds to your needs. Nonetheless, the 37.5 mg phentermine is more potent than the 30mg capsule. But be cautious that a higher dose simultaneously poses an amplified risk of causing side effects.

Bottom Line

To conclude, phentermine delivery via capsules takes the edge because the delayed release version of phentermine tablets is not available yet. Therefore, the capsules are more effective in offering appetite depression for extended periods.

Additionally, users generally find capsules easier to swallow.

But still, tablets are better in providing immediate effect, have a longer shelf-life, and give you the choice of splitting the pill in half if you feel that your phentermine dose is too strong or if you are suffering from side effects.

Last but not least, in any case, never increase or change your dose without consulting your doctor.