In a survey conducted to evaluate line extension possibilities of a popular over-the-counter analgesic-antipyretic agent in a capsule form, general physicians and patients opined that liquid in capsule was one of the best options. The survey was conducted by Ashwin Gudsoorkar, an MBA-Pharmaceuticals Management of NMIMS, Mumbai, under the guidance of Prof. Emeritus Dr. Tarun Gupta, Chairman-MBA Pharmaceuticals Management of NMIMS, and with the assistance of ACG Associated Capsules (ACPL), a member of ACG Worldwide.

The product is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) available as a tablet form in the market and has paracetamol as the active ingredient. It is most commonly used to treat common cold or cough associated with fever, and also for the treatment of dental pain in combination with certain NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs). The objective of the survey was to evaluate line extension possibilities in a capsule form for this product.

Out of different combination fills - consisting micro tablets, granules, liquid, powder, tablets and pellets, over 32% of 170 respondents (comprising general and dental physicians) chose liquid in capsule and nearly 26% chose pellets in capsule. Doctors choosing these capsules said that patients prefer plain, simple-looking capsules that seem safe and are easy to consume. Patients, however, inclined more towards pellet in capsules. Nearly 37% of the 30 respondents picked pellet in capsules citing that it looks like a medicine in comparison to other capsules, and wouldn’t end up giving a side-effect. Some patients cited small size of the capsule and the possibility of offering quick relief as the reason for choosing pellets in capsule.

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