Medical pills assortment on white background

Assortment of pharmaceutical pills on a white background, highlighting a variety of colors, shapes, and dosages for common treatments.

About this subject

Pills are the most common pharmaceutical dosage form worldwide, accounting for about 70% of all medications produced globally. They are manufactured by compressing powders or granules, with excipients that ensure stability, dissolution, and proper absorption. The variety of colors is not merely aesthetic: each color can indicate the dosage or active ingredient, helping patients and professionals quickly identify the medication. For instance, white pills often contain analgesics like paracetamol, while yellow ones may contain vitamins or antibiotics.

In Brazil, pill production strictly follows Anvisa regulations, which require dissolution and dose uniformity tests to ensure efficacy and safety. Over 90% of medications sold in Brazilian pharmacies are pills, ranging from generics to brand-name drugs. The round shape is the most common for easy swallowing, but oblong or triangular shapes exist to avoid confusion between medications.

Interestingly, the technology for compressing pills was patented in 1843 by Englishman William Brockedon, who created the first machine capable of producing uniform tablets. Before that, medications were prepared as powders or liquids with inaccurate dosages. Today, the pharmaceutical industry produces billions of pills per year, with machines that can compress up to 1 million units per hour. The image shows a typical assortment of over-the-counter and controlled medications, such as anti-inflammatories, analgesics, and vitamin supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do pills have different colors?

Colors help quickly identify the medication and its dosage, preventing errors. Each color can be associated with a specific active ingredient or concentration, aiding patients and healthcare professionals.

What is the difference between pills and capsules?

Pills are solid tablets made by compression, while capsules are gelatin shells containing powder or liquid. Capsules generally have faster absorption, but pills are more stable and easier to store.

Are generic pills as effective as brand-name ones?

Yes, as long as approved by regulatory agencies like Anvisa, generics have the same active ingredient, dosage, and efficacy as brand-name drugs, but cost up to 60% less. The difference lies in excipients and trade name.