Rapid and Fast-Release Acetaminophen Gelcaps Dissolve Slower Than Acetaminophen Tablets

The dissolution properties of oral medicinal drugs are affected by formulation and used to market over-the-counter medications. Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter pain and fever-reducing medications with an estimated global yearly market value of over $350 million US dollars [1]. Acetominophen gelcaps are, in general, sold at higher prices than company- matched standard tablets. Standard acetaminophen tablets and rapid or fast-release gelcaps from five major US companies were analyzed using the industry standard test for dissolution. Results indicate that acetaminophen gelcaps marketed as rapid or fast-release are slower acting under in vitro dissolution conditions compared to the company-matched tablet dose.

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