What does "cap." stand for in relation to medications?

The term "cap." is commonly used in the context of medications to refer to a "capsule." Capsules are solid dosage forms in which the active ingredients are enclosed in a hard or soft soluble container, usually made of gelatin. This format can provide several benefits, including easier swallowing, protection of the contents from the environment, and potentially altered release profiles of the medication.

While it may seem plausible that "cap." could refer to a narrow range of related terms, the recognized use in pharmacology predominantly aligns with the definition of a capsule. For instance, a caplet, which is a solid dosage form that is flat and oblong, may confuse some but specifically lacks the gelatin encasing characteristic of a capsule.

Therefore, recognizing "cap." as representing a "capsule" is critical in understanding medication terminology and accurately interpreting medication information in practice.