What does "Cap" refer to when discussing medications?

The term "Cap" is commonly used in the context of medications to refer to the capsule form. Capsules are solid dosage forms in which one or more active ingredients are enclosed in a soluble gelatin shell. This format is preferred for various reasons, including the ability to mask the taste of the medication, facilitate easier swallowing, and provide a controlled release of the active ingredients after the capsule dissolves in the digestive tract.

The distinction is important as capsules differ from other forms such as tablets or liquids in terms of composition, method of delivery, and patient adherence. Understanding this terminology is crucial for safe medication administration and for recognizing different medication formulations that a patient might encounter.