Why Are Capsules Coloured: Whenever we fall ill, doctors prescribe many types of pills and capsules. Most capsules are colourful. Sometimes the color of the capsules is red, while some capsules are blue-yellow or green. Sometimes the capsule is of two colors. Seeing these colors many times makes us think. Have you ever wondered why these capsules are made of red, blue, yellow or two different colors? Is this to make the capsule look attractive or is there any scientific reason behind it? Let us know some facts hidden behind these colors of the capsules, which will surprise you.

One reason for different colors of capsules is the safety of patients. Many medicines are administered simultaneously in hospitals or homes. In such a situation, it becomes easy to differentiate between medicines through colors. This works like a life-saving system, so that one medicine is not accidentally taken instead of another. Apart from this, companies often use different colors to identify different doses of the same medicine. For example, 250 mg and 500 mg capsules are kept in different colors to prevent overdose or underdosage. Pharmacists also ensure that the correct prescription is being given to the patient through the color, size and code printed on them. This makes it much easier to identify medicines.

Pharmaceutical companies also use color psychology in making medicines. Our brain unconsciously associates certain colors with certain effects. For example, red, orange or bright colors are often used for stimulants or pain killers, as they indicate energy and power. Blue or green colors are often used in sleeping pills or stress-reducing medicines, because these colors give a feeling of peace and relaxation. Many researches show that if the color of the medicine matches its effect, then the patient feels more positive and better towards the treatment.

Colors play a big role in the world of marketing and the world of medicines is also not untouched by it. Pharmaceutical companies patent specific colors to create a unique identity for themselves. In the case of over-the-counter medicines, people often identify their trusted medicines by color rather than name. Apart from this, colors are also necessary to avoid legal complications. It is often mandatory for generic drug manufacturing companies to keep the color of their medicines different from branded medicines, so that the trademark is not violated. In this way colors provide a brand value to a medicine.

Many times you might have noticed that many capsules are of two different colors. Behind it lies a very practical manufacturing utility. The capsule has two parts – one is the body, in which the medicine is filled and the other is the cap, which acts as a lid. During manufacturing it becomes easier for personnel in automated machines and manual assembly to identify which part is the body and which is the cap. Having different colors speeds up the process of filling the medicine and eliminates the possibility of misfitting. This seemingly simple difference streamlines the entire production chain.