Pill

Pill is a term used to describe a small, round or oval-shaped form of medication that is intended to be swallowed. Pills can contain a variety of different types of medication, and are designed to be easy to swallow and digest. They are one of the most common forms of medication delivery.

History

The use of pills for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians are known to have used pills, as did the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The term "pill" itself comes from the Latin word "pilula", which means "little ball".

Types of Pills

There are several different types of pills, including:

• Tablets: These are the most common type of pill. They are usually round or oval and may be coated to make them easier to swallow.

• Capsules: These are pills that are coated with a gelatinous substance. The medication is contained inside the capsule.

• Softgels: These are similar to capsules, but the coating is softer and more flexible.

• Lozenges: These are pills that are intended to be dissolved in the mouth.

• Suppositories: These are pills that are intended to be inserted into the rectum or vagina.

How Pills Work

Pills work by being swallowed and then dissolved in the stomach. The medication contained in the pill is then absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach lining. Some pills are designed to dissolve slowly, releasing the medication over a period of time. This is known as a "time-release" or "extended-release" pill.

See Also

• Drug delivery
• Pharmacology
• Medication

References

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