Capsules are solid preparations with hard and soft shells of various
shapes and capacities, usually containing a single dose of active ingredient.
They are intended for oral administration.
The solid shells of capsules are made of gelatin or other substances, the
consistency of which may be adjusted by the addition of substances such a
‘glycerol or sorbitol. Excipients such as surface-active agents, opaque filters,
antimi 1 preservatives, sweeteners, coloring matter and flavoring substances
may be addeci, The content of capsules may be solid, liquid or of a paste-like
consistency. They consist of one or more active ingredient with or without excipients
such as solvents, diluents, lubricants and disintegrating agents. The contents
do not cause deterioration of the shell. The shell, however, is attacked by the
digestive fluids and the contents are released.
Different
types of Capsule
Several categories of capsules may be distinguished as
• Hard capsules • Soft capsules
• Gastro resistant
capsules • Modified release
capsules
A.
Hard capsules
Hard capsules have shells consisting of two prefabricated cylindrical
sections, one end of which is rounded and closed, and the other being open.
B.
Soft capsules
These have thicker shells than those of hard capsules. The shells consist
of one part
And have various shapes.
C. Gastro resistant
capsules
These are modified release capsules that are intended to resist the
gastric fluid and to release their active ingredients in the intestinal fluid.
They are prepared by providing hard or soft capsules with a gastro-resistant
shell or by filling capsules with granules or with particles covered with a
gastro resistant coating.
D.
Modified-release capsules
Modified release capsules are hard or soft capsules in which the contents
or the shell or both contain special excipients or are prepared by a special
process designed to modify the rate or the place at which the active ingredient
are released.
