Capsules: An Overview of Types and Benefits

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary composition of soft gelatin capsules?

Plasticizers and preservatives

Colorants and emulsifiers

Water and alcohol

Gelatin and a filling material (correct)

Which type of gelatin capsule is characterized by its one-piece design?

Hard gelatin capsules

Liquid capsules

Non-gelatin capsules

Soft gelatin capsules (correct)

What is a benefit of using soft gelatin capsules?

Improved shelf stability

Better drug absorption (correct)

Lower production costs

Longer duration of action

Which component is often added to the shell of soft gelatin capsules to enhance flexibility?

Plasticizer Signup and view all the answers

What types of liquids can be used as filling materials in soft gelatin capsules?

Both hydrophilic and lipophilic liquids Signup and view all the answers

Which shape is NOT commonly associated with soft gelatin capsules?

Square Signup and view all the answers

What is a key disadvantage of soft gelatin capsules compared to tablets?

They require specialized equipment for production. Signup and view all the answers

How do soft gelatin capsules help with the taste of medications?

They mask the bitter and unpleasant taste Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of regular conventional softgels?

They release their contents rapidly in the stomach. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically NOT included in the composition of soft gelatin capsule shells?

Proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of chewable softgels?

They release liquid drug fill when chewed. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of softgel is designed for topical medication dosing?

Twist-off softgels Signup and view all the answers

Why are enteric coated capsules used?

They are designed to prevent drug release until reaching the intestine. Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of softgel capsules regarding their interaction with contents?

They have intimate contact with their liquid contents, increasing interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of meltable softgels?

They can be used as suppositories or pessaries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a form of softgel mentioned?

Enteric coated softgels Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the drug encapsulation process for soft-gel capsules?

Gelatin passes through sol-gel transition to form gel ribbons Signup and view all the answers

How thick can the gel ribbons be controlled during the casting process?

± 0.1 mm Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the gelatin sheets that are not used in forming softgels?

They are recycled for reuse Signup and view all the answers

What method is used to seal the two softgel capsule halves together?

Application of heat pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is injected into the space between the gelatin ribbons during the encapsulation process?

Liquid fill matrix Signup and view all the answers

What allows for the creation of bicoloured softgels?

Different colors of gel ribbons Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the rotary die encapsulation tool?

To encapsulate the drug within gel ribbons Signup and view all the answers

During which process do the two gel ribbons get carried through rollers?

Casting process Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for a high local concentration of the drug in the intestine instead of the stomach?

To maximize effectiveness against intestinal parasites Signup and view all the answers

Which process occurs simultaneously with the formation of the gel mass in soft gelatin capsule preparation?

Manufacturing the liquid fill matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is added to the gelatin during the formulation of the outer gel mass for the soft-gel shell?

Plasticizer and opacifiers Signup and view all the answers

What method is used to remove air before forming the soft-gel capsule shells?

Vacuum removal Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of controlling the thickness of the gel ribbons to ± 0.1 mm?

To maintain dosage accuracy and predictability Signup and view all the answers

Which component is formed by dispersing or dissolving the drug in a liquid vehicle?

Liquid fill matrix Signup and view all the answers

During the encapsulation process, what transformation does gelatin undergo?

Sol-gel transition Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding colors and preservatives to the gel mass?

To improve the appearance and stability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Capsules

Capsules are a common oral dosage form
Two main types: hard gelatin and soft gelatin (softgels)

Types of Capsules

Hard gelatin capsules
- Composed of a hard, shell-like casing.
- Often used for dry or powdered medications
Soft gelatin capsules (softgels)
- Composed of a soft, flexible shell
- Often used for liquid or semi-solid medications

Soft Gelatin Capsules (Softgels)

Composition:
- Gelatin shell
- Water
- Plasticizers (glycerol, sorbitol, PG)
- Colorants
- Excipients (processing aids)
Filling:
- Liquid (excluding water)
- Oil
- Lipophilic liquids (e.g., vegetable oils)
- Hydrophilic liquids (e.g., PEG400)
- Emulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions
- Suspensions (up to 30% solids)
- The active drugs are usually incorporated throughout the entire filling matrix or into the capsule shell, or outer gel mass.

Advantages of Soft Gelatin Capsules (Softgels)

Ease of swallowing
Masking of unpleasant tastes
Accurate dosage
Improved drug absorption (rapid onset)
Suitable for liquid formulations

Disadvantages of Soft Gelatin Capsules (Softgels)

Small-scale production is typically not possible
More expensive compared to direct compression tablets or hard gelatin capsules.
Increased possibility of interactions between the liquid contents and the shell.
Not suitable for incorporating multiple types of fillings within the same capsule.

Different Forms of Softgels

Regular conventional softgels: easy to swallow, contain oils, solutions, or suspensions; rapidly release in the stomach.
Chewable softgels: highly flavored shell, chewed to release liquid fill.
Suckable softgels: flavored gelatin shell; suitable for pediatric products when sucked.
Twist-off softgels: softgel has a tag to be twisted or snipped off to access the fill; useful for topical meds (skin/hair, inhalations)
Meltable softgels: designed for use as suppositories or pessaries

Advanced Forms of Softgels:

Enteric-coated capsules:
- Coated with a gastric-resistant polymer
- Resists dissolution in low stomach pH, dissolves in higher pH of the intestine.
- Used when the drug is destroyed in the stomach, irritating the stomach lining, or for high local drug concentration in the intestine.

Preparation of Soft Gelatin Capsules

Rotary soft capsule machine:
- Subprocesses simultaneously produce fill matrix - Gel mass forming the capsule shell,
- Encapsulation of the mixture into the softgel shell, within one machine.
Liquid Fill Matrix Formation (a): The active drug substance is mixed with non-aqueous solvents using mixers/homogenizers
Soft-Gel Shell Formation (b):
- Gelatin and water form gel mass; plasticizers added
- Other capsule shell components (colors, opacifiers, flavors, preservatives) are added
- Removed air bubbles.
- Gel mass formed into ribbons.
Drug Encapsulation (c):
- Fill matrix injected between wet gelatin ribbons.
- Molded into capsules, sealed, and cooled.
- Excess gelatin sheets are recycled

Limitations for Capsule Filling Materials

Avoid materials that dissolve gelatin, contain high moisture, or are deliquescent/hygroscopic.
Avoid materials that react with gelatin (like formaldehyde)
The addition of adsorbents ( e.g., magnesium carbonate) can help overcome certain problems.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of capsules, focusing on the two main types: hard gelatin and soft gelatin capsules (softgels). Explore their composition, filling methods, and advantages in medication delivery. Perfect for those studying pharmaceutical sciences or pharmacy courses.