Capsules

Definition

Capsules are a type of solid dosage form that consists of a shell, usually made of gelatin, that contains a powdered or liquid drug formulation. They are designed to protect the drug from degradation, mask unpleasant tastes or odors, and facilitate the administration of medications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Capsules are a common dosage form for medications because they can improve the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of drugs.
2. The size and shape of capsules can be tailored to specific patient needs, such as ease of swallowing or targeted drug delivery.
3. Capsules can be used to deliver a wide range of drug types, including small molecules, biologics, and combination therapies.
4. The manufacturing process for capsules involves precise control of factors like shell material, fill composition, and sealing to ensure consistent drug release and performance.
5. Capsules can be designed to release the drug at a specific time or location in the gastrointestinal tract, which is particularly important for drugs that are sensitive to stomach acid or require targeted delivery.

Review Questions

• Explain how the use of capsules as a drug dosage form can improve the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of medications.
  • The shell of a capsule can protect the drug formulation from environmental factors like light, oxygen, and moisture, which can degrade the active ingredient. Additionally, the capsule shell can help to solubilize poorly soluble drugs and enhance their absorption in the body, leading to improved bioavailability. The versatility of capsules also allows for the incorporation of specialized coatings or formulations that can further optimize drug delivery and performance.
• Describe the key differences between soft gelatin capsules and hard gelatin capsules, and how these differences impact their use in drug delivery.
  • Soft gelatin capsules are typically used to encapsulate liquid or semi-solid drug formulations, as the flexible shell can accommodate these types of fills. In contrast, hard gelatin capsules are more suitable for powdered or granular drug formulations, as the rigid two-piece shell provides a more defined shape and structure. The choice between soft or hard gelatin capsules depends on the physical and chemical properties of the drug, as well as the desired drug release profile and target site of action within the body.
• Discuss the importance of enteric coatings in the context of capsule dosage forms, and explain how they can be used to improve the delivery of certain types of drugs.
  • $$\text{Enteric coatings}$$ are specialized polymer-based coatings applied to capsules or tablets that protect the drug from the acidic environment of the stomach. This is particularly important for drugs that are sensitive to stomach acid or irritate the gastric lining. By delaying the release of the drug until it reaches the more alkaline environment of the small intestine, enteric coatings can enhance the stability, absorption, and therapeutic efficacy of the medication. The use of enteric coatings is crucial for the successful delivery of drugs that target the intestines or require protection from gastric degradation.

Related terms

Soft Gelatin Capsules: A type of capsule with a soft, flexible shell that is typically used to encapsulate liquid or semi-solid drug formulations.

Hard Gelatin Capsules: A type of capsule with a rigid, two-piece shell that is typically used to encapsulate powdered or granular drug formulations.

Enteric Coating: A specialized coating applied to capsules or tablets that protects the drug from the acidic environment of the stomach and allows it to be released in the more alkaline environment of the small intestine.