Final answer:
Capsule dosage forms contain small pellets or beads, which can be coated to modify drug release, providing benefits like enhanced bioavailability, timed release, and reduced side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dosage form that contains small pellets or beads is known as a capsule. Capsules are solid dosage forms in which one or more medicinal and/or inert substances are enclosed within a small shell or container, often made of gelatin. The pellets within the capsule can be coated with substances that modify the drug release characteristics, such as to provide sustained release or targeted delivery to a specific part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Capsules can be filled with a variety of formulations, including powders, semi-solids, or even liquids. This variety allows for a customizable release profile, which can be manipulated by altering the surface coating of the beads or pellets. One common technology used with capsules is multiparticulate drug delivery, where each pellet or bead contains a fraction of the dose, and the collective release of these beads provides the therapeutic effect.
The benefit of using capsules with pellets is that they can enhance the bioavailability of certain medications, provide a timed release of the active ingredient to maximize efficacy, reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and improve patient compliance with the medication regimen.