Encapsulation refers to a range of techniques used to enclose medicines in a relatively stable shell known as a capsule, allowing them to, for example, be taken orally or be used as suppositories. Capsules are easier to swallow and are used by manufacturers when the drug can’t be compacted into a solid tablet. They are also useful when the drug needs to be mixed with oil or other liquid to aid absorption in the body. It is normally a shell or container made of gelatine that contains the drug.