A capsule is a form of medication with an outer shell containing medication inside that makes it easy for patients to swallow, with several colors and shapes available for customization. Furthermore, they’re considered safe.
Capsules are typically composed of an aqueous solution containing gelling agents such as animal proteins (mainly gelatin), plant polysaccharides and derivatives, modified starch/cellulose blends, plasticizers or lubricants and plasticizers; then these capsules are filled with dry or liquid ingredients.
They are easy to swallow
Capsules offer an easy, tasteless way to take medications that provides quicker relief than tablets due to faster absorption into the bloodstream.
Gelatin used in capsules can come from animal or plant sources, making them suitable for different diets. Hard or soft gelatin forms the base for fillers such as liquid or powder for medication formulations with more flexibility in terms of formulations.
To successfully swallow a capsule, tilt your head back and put the medication into your mouth. Slowly bring it towards your throat and swallow. To avoid inducing a gag reflex, avoid inhaling any of the liquid contained within the capsules. If they’re too dry, add some water – this will make swallowing easier while also decreasing their risk of sticking in your throat.
They are convenient
Capsules have become the go-to form of medication due to multiple advantages. They’re easier to swallow, they cover unpleasant tastes or smells better, they prevent crumbling of pills, and allow manufacturers to add additional ingredients such as lubricants and preservatives.
Furthermore, capsules offer several other advantages for pharmaceutical products stored in dry environments. Furthermore, their high dissolution rates and ability to mask flavors make for easier absorption into the body of active ingredients within them.
However, capsules also present certain drawbacks that should be considered when considering them as an option for treatment. They tend to be less durable than tablets and may react adversely to environmental factors like humidity. Furthermore, their shelf life may be shorter; thus making expiry more likely than tablets. Thanks to innovations like HPMC gelling agents it’s now possible to create capsules resistant to environmental factors.
They are safe
Capsules offer protection from air and light that could otherwise destroy their ingredients, and their opaque gelatin shell can further shield sensitive ingredients while increasing cost of medication. Furthermore, patients with swallowing issues may find breaking or crushing capsules an inconvenience.
Capsules can quickly enter the bloodstream by being digested and broken down in the digestive tract, and once inside are distributed and metabolized as with any medication form. They may provide faster relief of symptoms.
Though swallowing capsules without liquid can be accomplished, elderly and young children may find the process more challenging. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek assistance from either a doctor or pharmacist regarding how to open and dissolve capsule contents into water or fruit juice, using either a sterile spoon or oral syringe when handling.
They are easy to manufacture
Soft capsules are an efficient means of dosing liquid or powdered drugs precisely and effortlessly, masking any unpleasant tastes and scents to increase adherence and improve adherence to medication regimens. Gelatin-based capsules can even be printed to promote brand identity.
Soft capsule manufacturing utilizes bovine and porcine gelatins as primary raw materials, with bovine gelatin contributing to hardness while porcine gelatin provides plasticity. Additional ingredients may include opacifiers, colouring agents, preservatives and glycerine for further enhancement.
Soft capsules offer several advantages over tablets, including being easier to swallow. Unfortunately, however, they cannot be split, making their use less convenient. Furthermore, soft caps tend to be more expensive to produce and have a shorter shelf life; thus making choosing a reliable supplier for equipment installation and training important in running a successful softgel manufacturing business.
