Capsule Terminology PDF

Capsule terminology Learning outcomes - At the end of the Capsule Technology I to III lectures, you will be able to: o Define hard and so> capsules. o Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of capsules. o Describe the composiBon and manufacture of hard and so> caps...

Capsule terminology Learning outcomes - At the end of the Capsule Technology I to III lectures, you will be able to: o Define hard and so> capsules. o Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of capsules. o Describe the composiBon and manufacture of hard and so> capsules. o Discuss consideraBons when formulaBng capsules. What are capsules? - Solid preparaBons with hard or so> shells of various shapes and capaciBes, usually containing a single dose of acBve substances. - One capsule à single dose à but can contain one or more acBve ingredients. History - Invented in the 19th century to mask the taste of medicinal substances. Types of capsules - Two types: o Hard (hard gelaBne capsules, two-pieces capsules) o So; (so> gelaBne capsules, so> gels, one-piece capsules) - Most hard and so> capsules are orally delivered. - Some hard capsules are for inhalaer tablet. - Cylindrical shaped consisBng of 2 pieces. o Shorter piece called cap. o Longer piece called body. o Cap goes over the body to contain contents. - Advantages of hard capsules - Convenient to carry, elegant appearance. - Reasonably stable. - Tasteless and easy to swallow (smaller capsules) - Easier to formulate than tablets, lower stress in processing & filling. - Capsule shell soluble in physiological fluids at body temperature. - PotenBally higher bioavailability than tablets à because the powders are not compressed. - Readily idenBfiable; possibility of two colours. - Can be used to separate incompaBble materials (capsules inside capsule). à not common but possible. For the ingredients that cannot be physically mixed. - Can be used for modified release, materials which cannot be compressed, solid or semi-solid contents. Disadvantages of hard capsules - Expensive (cost is higher than tablets) - Slower producBon than tablets (output rate is ~20% of that of tablet) - Unsuitable for materials containing high level of ‘free’ moisture or that hygroscopic. o The ingredients must be dried. - Unsuitable for materials incompaBble with gelaBne (e.g. formaldehyde causes gelaBne crosslinking, leading to insoluble capsule) - Can adhere to oesophageal mucosa. à paBent need to drink plenty of water. Capsule shell materials - Most capsule shells are made with gelaBne. - GelaBne is derived from collagen (a natural protein found in animal skins, bones, connecBve Bssues.) o Type A gelaBne from acid treatment of porcine skin. o Type B gelaBne from alkaline treatment of bovine bones. - Types A & B have different isoelectric points, thus different solubility as a funcBon of pH. Why gela