Capsules can be filled with powders, granules, pellets and microparticles of various forms – making them particularly useful early on in a drug development process when almost anything may need dosing into them.
Gelatin-based gums have long been used for making dental floss, however plant-based polymers such as HPMC have recently entered the market as an option to satisfy vegetarianism.
Easy to swallow
Capsules’ standard size and shape makes them easier for many people to swallow than tablets, and make storage and transport simpler – especially important for people who struggle with swallowing pills. Furthermore, capsules can be opened and their contents mixed into drinks or food to mask unpleasant flavors or odours.
Capsules are typically composed of gelatin; however, plant-based alternatives like HPMC have been developed for vegetarians. Their shells are formed through dipping metal pins into a solution of polymer (with excipients such as colourants) that is added into a solution of polymer that contains other excipients; this allows the production of different-coloured capsules for branding or identification purposes.
Swallowing capsules may be difficult for those living with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). One technique may help: using the “lean forward” technique involves placing the pill on your tongue and taking a sip of water; when this has settled on top, then taking another sip, and finally swallowing it with ease.
Easy to store
Capsules are oblong-shaped pills with a shell protecting the medication inside. This makes them easy to store and transport since no refrigeration or other special handling is required, making them convenient. However, capsules must be stored away from sunlight and heat; opening or chewing could release too quickly or all at once, which could disrupt treatment plans.
As they cannot be crushed or opened, capsules tend to have a shorter shelf life than tablets, and may react more strongly with environmental conditions like humidity.
Hard capsules commonly contain gelatin sourced from animals such as pigs, cows and fish – unsuitable for vegetarians – leading many trusted capsule manufacturers to adopt plant-based alternatives like HPMC or modified starch that dissolve more readily in water. Reliable manufacturers also abide by cGMP-certified facilities to implement stringent quality controls and adapt operations accordingly when regulatory updates come out.
Easy to transport
Capsules offer an effective means of administering life-saving medicines and health supplements in an easy, accessible way. No needle is required and they also cover up unpleasant tastes or smells associated with many drugs; however, their dissolving in the stomach takes more time than tablets or softgels and may take more time reaching their destination site.
Contrary to tablets, which are typically made with hard gelatin, most capsules are typically manufactured using an eco-friendly polymer known as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), which forms both hard and soft shells without being toxic, film easily, possess good mechanical strength and dissolve easily in water.
Capsules may present disadvantages that include shorter shelf lives, greater exposure to sunlight and humidity, higher doses required to achieve similar effects as tablets, as well as possible containments of gelatin from animals – which could pose issues for vegans and vegetarians.
Easy to identify
A capsule is a solid form of medication with an outer protective shell, typically consisting of one color with either scores (light lines cut into it) or different hues for each half, designed to hold different ingredients inside. A variety of ingredients can be placed inside; typically an oblong shape with narrower ends is typical and often filled with various substances. MedSnap app can help identify your medication.
Capsules can be created from various materials such as gelatin, HPMC or modified starch. Reputable manufacturers produce their capsules in facilities certified as Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), adhering to stringent quality control processes and adapting quickly to regulatory updates. Furthermore, many offer certifications like Halal or Kosher that cater to specific consumers.
Capsules offer numerous advantages over tablets, including their ease of swallowing and ability to be used with both liquid and powder medicines. Unfortunately, they also come with some drawbacks, including their susceptibility to sunlight exposure and humidity as well as premature expiration rates compared with tablets.
