The invention relates to a capsule for receiving a preferably powdered pharmaceutical preparation and an inhaler in which, for inhalation, the preparation is expelled from the capsule through at least one hole. A capsule according to the invention comprises as capsule elements a capsule cap and a capsule body, at least one of which comprises at least one prefabricated hole.Systems according to the invention comprising inhalers and capsules are described, in which the prefabricated hole in the capsule is sealed off in the transporting state of the system and is open in the usage state. The hole is exposed by actuation of a pushing or pulling mechanism. Prior to this the hole is closed off by part of the capsule itself or by a capsule receptacle belonging to the inhaler.In one embodiment the capsule may be present in two different states, for example in different insertion positions of the capsule elements. In the first state the prefabricated hole is closed off and in the second it is exposed.Another system according to the invention consists of a capsule body open at the top and an inhaler, the capsule that is open at the top being filled inside the inhaler.