Capsule: single dose of medication contained in a gelatin coating that prevents the patient from tasting the drug. What is the abbreviation?

• A. Amp.
• B. Cap.
• C. Comp.
• D. Elix.

Answer: (B)

Abbreviations on a medication label reflect the dosage form, and the capsule form is defined by a gelatin shell that masks the drug’s taste. A capsule is typically a single-dose unit, so the usual shorthand used to indicate this form is Cap. Amp would refer to an ampule or ampoule, which is a sealed container for injectable meds, not a capsule. Elix denotes an elixir, a sweet liquid oral preparation, while Comp indicates a compounded preparation. Therefore Cap best fits the description of a gelatin-coated capsule designed to prevent tasting the drug.