Pills are coloured by adding specific substances to their formulations. Uncoated tablets get their colour by the addition of insoluble pigments to the tablet base. This process serves the purpose of masking the natural colour of the active drug ingredients or other excipients which might not appear appealing to patients.
Colouring Agents Used in Pills
The process of colouring pills utilizes various agents, each with specific properties that cater to the desired outcome.
- Insoluble Pigments: These are the primary agents used for colouring uncoated tablets. They are mixed directly into the tablet's base.
- Dyes: Used primarily in coatings for tablets or capsules to achieve a wide spectrum of colours.
- Natural Colouring Agents: Obtained from natural sources, they are often preferred to avoid some concerns regarding synthetic options, with sources including plants, minerals, and insects.
Why Are Pills Coloured?
Colouring pills is not just an aesthetic choice but a strategic move to enhance patient experience and safety:
- Masking Unattractive Colours: The active ingredients of pills can sometimes have unappealing colours. Colouring agents mask these colours, making the tablet more appealing.
- Brand Identification: Distinctive colours are often part of a brand's identity, helping patients easily identify their medication.
- Avoiding Confusion: Different dosages or types of medications may be given unique colours to help reduce medication mixups.
- Enhancing Patient Adherence: An appealing appearance can make medication easier to take, improving patient compliance.
Method of Colour Application
| Tablet Type | Colouring Method |
|---|---|
| Uncoated | Insoluble pigments are mixed into the tablet's base. |
| Coated | Dyes or pigments are applied to the coating layer through processes like film-coating, sugar-coating. |
In summary, pill coloring involves the strategic use of insoluble pigments for uncoated tablets, as well as dyes for coatings. This process is aimed at improving the tablet's appearance, identifying medications, and promoting patient compliance.
