Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Placebo Caplet

A placebo caplet contains no active pharmaceutical ingredient and produces therapeutic effects primarily through the placebo effect.

A placebo caplet contains no active pharmaceutical ingredient and produces therapeutic effects primarily through the placebo effect. Used for Clinical trial control comparator (non-therapeutic use).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Placebo caplets are inert formulations used as control comparators in clinical trials to establish the efficacy of active drugs above baseline and placebo response. They may produce measurable clinical benefits in certain conditions through psychobiological mechanisms including expectation, conditioning, and natural disease progression. Placebos are essential tools in phase 3 trials to distinguish true drug efficacy from placebo response.

Approved indications

• Clinical trial control comparator (non-therapeutic use)

Common side effects

• Adverse events attributable to placebo effect or natural disease progression

Key clinical trials

• Resveratrol in Knee Osteoarthritis (PHASE3)
• Assessment of N-Acetylcysteine as Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (PHASE2)
• Study to Evaluate Rilzabrutinib in Adults and Adolescents With Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) (PHASE3)
• Supplementation of Galatonol 300 mg / Striatin 30 mg in Postpartum Lactating Mothers (PHASE3)
• DLBS2411 Treatment For Functional Dyspepsia (PHASE3)
• Stimulating Fat Tissue Storage With Niacin to Reduce Fat Accumulation in the Liver. (NA)
• Valacyclovir for Mild Cognitive Impairment (PHASE2)
• A Clinical Study to Assess the Effect of Tisina Complex on Cognitive Health in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment (NA)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.