Capsules

Definition

Capsules are solid dosage forms of medication that are enclosed in a soluble container or shell, typically made from gelatin. They are designed for oral administration and can either be filled with powdered drugs or liquids, providing a convenient way to deliver medications while masking unpleasant tastes or odors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Capsules can be hard or soft, with hard capsules typically being used for powdered medications and soft capsules often containing liquids.
2. The design of capsules allows for controlled release of medications, helping to improve patient adherence by making it easier to swallow compared to tablets.
3. Capsules can be made from vegetarian alternatives like HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) for those with dietary restrictions.
4. Some capsules feature delayed-release mechanisms, meaning they only release their contents after a certain period or under specific conditions.
5. In addition to their pharmaceutical uses, capsules are also popular in dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, providing an efficient way to deliver vitamins and minerals.

Review Questions

• How do capsules enhance patient compliance compared to other dosage forms?
  • Capsules often enhance patient compliance due to their easy-to-swallow design and ability to mask unpleasant tastes and odors associated with certain medications. Unlike tablets, which can be chalky or difficult to take for some individuals, capsules provide a smooth texture that makes ingestion simpler. Furthermore, their convenience in dosing allows patients to adhere better to prescribed regimens, as they can easily carry and consume them as needed.
• What role does gelatin play in the formulation of capsules, and what are some alternatives?
  • Gelatin is the primary material used in traditional capsule formulation due to its properties that allow for easy dissolution and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. However, for individuals who avoid animal products, alternatives such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) have been developed. These vegetarian capsules serve the same purpose as gelatin capsules while catering to dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Evaluate the significance of enteric coating in capsule formulations and its impact on drug bioavailability.
  • Enteric coating is significant in capsule formulations as it ensures that the drug is not released until it reaches the intestines, where the pH is more favorable for dissolution. This coating protects sensitive ingredients from degradation by stomach acid, potentially enhancing their bioavailability. By allowing for targeted release of medications that could irritate the stomach lining or require activation in a specific environment, enteric-coated capsules can improve therapeutic outcomes and minimize side effects associated with premature release.

Related terms

Gelatin: A colorless, flavorless food ingredient derived from collagen, used to create the shells of capsules.

Enteric Coating: A protective layer applied to capsules or tablets that prevents their dissolution in the acidic environment of the stomach, allowing them to dissolve in the more neutral environment of the intestines.

Bioavailability:

The proportion of a drug or active ingredient that enters the systemic circulation when it is introduced into the body and is available for action.