Learn the various advantages and disadvantages of soft gelatin capsules.
Capsules are solid dosage forms in that one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) are enclosed within a container. It has two types such as hard gelatin capsules and soft gelatin capsules, the hard gelatin capsules are used for filling the solid medicines or material, while soft gelatin capsules are used for filling liquid and semisolid medicines substances.
Soft gelatin capsules are a type of solid dosage form which is used for liquid or semi-solid fillings. It is broadly used to deliver a wide range of pharmaceutical substances which is not possible through the other dosage forms such as tablets, and hard gelatin capsules, etc. Softgel shells are a mixture of gelatin, opacifier, water, and a plasticizer such as glycerin and/or sorbitol(s). They come in different shapes and sizes according to applications and uses, they can be spherical, oval, or cylindrical with a hemispherical end.
Advantages of soft gelatin capsules:
- The major advantage of the soft gelatin capsule is that it is used for medication such as liquid or semi-solid fillings which is not possible in other dosage forms.
- Soft gelatin capsules are slippery and are soft, so are easy to swallow (oral route) for patients, especially for the older and children.
- It accommodates a broad range of compounds filled as a liquid, semisolid, paste, or gel.
- It can come in different shapes, sizes, and colors as per the requirement.
- Soft gelatin capsules are hermetically sealed there are no chances of leakage.
- The capsules protect the drug from light, moisture, heat, and mask the unpleasant taste and smell of drugs and excipients.
- It can cause a reduction of dustiness in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process since it cannot use granules, powder, and beads in the formulation.
- Compared with hard gelatin capsules, and tablets, it does not cause gastric irritant.
- It can offer better bioavailability.
Disadvantages of soft gelatin capsules:
- The major disadvantages of hard gelatin capsules are that they highly sensitive to moisture, therefore having difficulties in dealing with water-soluble materials.
- Compared to other dosage types, the manufacturing process of soft gelatin capsules is complex and it needs to be a trained person to perform the processes.
- Compared to hard gelatin, it has a limited range of drugs and excipients that are compatible to use in the formulation.
- Soft gelatin capsules are more expensive than the tablets as it requires special manufacturing equipment, storage conditions, and special packing.
- It is not suitable for highly efflorescent.
Commonly asked questions on dosage forms are as follows.
What are the two types of capsules?
The two main types of capsules are hard gelatin capsule and soft gelatin capsule.
What is the standard capsule size?
The most generally used capsule is a size 00.
What is the difference between hard and soft gelatin capsules?
The major difference between hard and soft gelatin capsules is that the soft capsules are single-piece containing a semi-solid or liquid fill, while the hard gelatin capsules consist of two pieces containing dry powder or a granule.
Why are tablets coated?
The tablets are coated to regulate the rate or speed of dissolution of the drug and to protect the tablets from the light, moisture, taste, and odor.
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