Soft Gelatin Capsules: Characteristics and Formulation

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Which characteristic is NOT commonly associated with soft gelatin capsules?

They are a completely sealed dosage form.
They have a one-piece outer gelatin shell.
They can make liquid medications portable.
They are suitable for carrying aqueous liquids. (correct)

What is the primary function of a plasticizer in the shell of a soft gelatin capsule?

To act as a preservative.
To provide opacity to the capsule.
To add flavor to the capsule.
To soften the gelatin shell. (correct)

Which of the following liquids is most suitable for encapsulation within a soft gelatin capsule?

Water.
Ethanol.
Aqueous solution of Vitamin C.
Olive oil. (correct)

How does the water content in a soft gelatin capsule shell compare to that of a hard gelatin capsule shell?

It is lower. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the preparation of soft gelatin capsules and hard gelatin capsules in a pharmacy setting?

Soft gelatin capsules are NOT commonly used in extemporaneous compounding. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a drug administered in a soft gelatin capsule result in higher blood levels compared to the same drug in a tablet form?

The soft gelatin capsule leads to faster dissolution rates. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which substance would be LEAST likely to be found in the shell of a soft gelatin capsule?

Cellulose. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In terms of composition and manufacturing, which of the following is true regarding soft gelatin capsules?

They have a thicker shell than hard gelatin capsules and incorporate plasticizers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmacist is formulating a soft gelatin capsule. Which of the following ingredients is essential to ensure the flexibility and pliability of the capsule?

A plasticizer such as glycerin. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable advantage of soft vegetable capsules compared to traditional soft gelatin capsules?

They are derived from plant-based materials, catering to vegetarian preferences. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are capsules and tablets generally preferred over liquid dosage forms when considering drug stability?

Most drugs exhibit greater stability in solid formulations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which patient scenario would make a liquid dosage form more appropriate than a solid dosage form?

A patient with difficulty swallowing solid oral medications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of hard gelatin capsules that differentiates them from soft gelatin capsules?

Hard gelatin capsules consist of two pieces: a body and a cap. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmacist needs to prepare a customized medication. Which type of capsule is most suitable for this extemporaneous compounding?

Hard gelatin capsules, because they can be easily filled with powder mixtures. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the solubility of gelatin in warm gastric fluid important for capsule performance?

It allows for rapid release of the medication in the stomach. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason that measuring medications using a measuring device is a disadvantage?

It can lead to inaccurate dosing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmaceutical company is considering the most appropriate dosage form for a new drug. Considering patient preference, which type of dosage form might be most accepted by consumers?

Soft Gelatin Capsules (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key property of gelatin that makes it suitable for use in capsule shells?

Ability to produce a strong and flexible film (C) Signup and view all the answers

A formulation scientist is developing a new hard gelatin capsule product. What consideration is MOST important regarding the capsule's powder mix?

Achieving uniform particle size and distribution for consistent fill weight. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason that liquids may be favoured over solids?

Liquids may act faster than than solids (A) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmacist notices that a batch of gelatin capsules stored in a humid environment has become distorted and sticky. What is the primary reason for this change in the capsules?

The gelatin shell has absorbed excess moisture, leading to swelling and deformation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are opaquants like titanium dioxide included in the formulation of hard gelatin capsules?

To protect light-sensitive drugs from degradation and mask the appearance of the capsule's contents. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A compounding pharmacist is preparing capsules using commercially available tablets. Which type of tablet is most suitable for this purpose?

Immediate-release tablets that provide rapid drug dissolution. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmacist is formulating a hard gelatin capsule containing a hydrophobic drug. What effect would the addition of a hydrophilic diluent such as lactose likely have on the drug's dissolution?

It would increase the drug's dissolution rate by improving its wettability and dispersion. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A manufacturer observes that a batch of hard gelatin capsules exhibits splitting and denting during the filling process. Which capsule design feature is specifically intended to minimize this issue?

The tapered rim and locking groove of the Coni-Snap design. (D) Signup and view all the answers

During the formulation of a powder mix for hard gelatin capsules, which of the following substances should be avoided due to its potential to compromise shell integrity?

A substance containing free water. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A formulation scientist is developing a hard gelatin capsule containing a potent drug. Which of the following excipients would be MOST suitable to improve the flow properties of the powder mix during encapsulation?

Magnesium stearate. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmacist is preparing a capsule formulation containing multiple powders. Which of the following excipients is PRIMARILY used to aid in the break-up and dispersion of the powder mass upon contact with gastrointestinal fluids?

A disintegrant. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A compounding pharmacist needs to prepare a small number of capsules for a clinical study. Which capsule size is generally considered the MOST commonly used, offering a balance between volume and ease of swallowing for most patients?

Size 3 (A) Signup and view all the answers

Capsule/Tablet Advantage

Solid dosage form with accurate drug dose.

Liquid Dosage Disadvantage

Measuring liquid doses can lead to inaccurate dosing.