ASPIRIN CAPSULES 3.

Some have poor oral bioavailability/ poor

water solubility
Capsules solid dosage forms n which 4. Some have irritant effect on the git when
medicinal agents and/or inert substances are taken orally
enclosed within a small shell of gelatin Gelatin - obtained by partial hydrolysis of
- Made up of gelatin but may also be made collagen from the skin, white connective tissue,
from starch or other suitable substances and bones of animals
TYPES: Properties:
1. Hard shell/ gelatin or dry-filled - Stable in air
capsules made up of gelatin, sugar - Subject to microbial decomposition
and water - Insoluble in cold water, softens through
o Clear, colorless and essentially absorption of up to 10 times its weight of
tasteless water
o Colored with various FD&C and - Soluble in hot water
D&C dyes and made opaque by - A protein, digested by proteolylic enzyme
adding agents such as titanium and absorbed
dioxide to conceal solid contents HIGH HUMIDITY
o Consists of two pieces, a body and a - Additional moisture in absorbed
cap - Becomes distorted and lose their rigid
o Hand-filled with powder contents by shape
- REMEDY: use desiccant material (silica gel,
punch method or filling machines
2. Soft Gelatin Capsules made up of clay or activated charcoal)
EXTREME DRYNESS
gelatin but more pliable due to the
- Moisture is lost
presence of glycerine or a polyhydric
- Becomes brittle and crumbled when
alcohol such as sorbitol, each of which
handled
act as a plasticizer EXAMPLE OF FILL IN HARD GELATIN
o Usually filled with liquid or a solid
CAPSULES
active ingredient suspended in a - Powder or granules
liquid vehicle approved for oral use - Pellet mixture
such as vegetable oil or a non- - Paste
aqueous, water miscible glycol such - Capsule
as polyethylene glycol 400 or - Tablet
polyethylene glycol Soft gelatin capsules
o Equipment required in preparing soft o Characteristics:
gelatin is not usually available in Contains more moisture
pharmacies, so this dosage form is Oblong, oral or mound
not prepared extemporaneously Elegant
- Preservatives (methyl & propylparabens, Single color or two toned
sorbic acid) to retard microbial growth With identifying markings
- Cotton used to absorb mixture Easily swallowed
- Are preferred when administered orally by o Uses: to encapsulate and hermetically
adults: seal:
1. Conveniently carried Liquids
2. Readily identified Suspensions
3. Easily taken Dry powder
- Variety of dosage strengths, providing: Preformed tablets
1. Flexibility to the prescriber Pasty materials
2. Accurate individualized dosage for the o Drugs prepared: Digoxin; Vitamin A,E
patient Capsule Size:
Disadvantages:
1. Swallowing for children and elderly 000 15 grains
2. Formulation difficulties
00 10 grains
0 7.5 grains
1 5 grains
2 4 grains
3 3 grains
4 2 grains
5 1 grain