Different Types of Capsules
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PharmaEducationDifferent Types of Capsules
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PharmaEducationCapsules
Capsules are solid dosage forms in which the drug substance is enclosed in either a hard or soft,
soluble container or shell of a suitable form of gelatin.
While the industry prepares approximately 75% of its solid dosage fomls as compressed tablets,
23% as hard gelatin capsules, and 2% as soft elastic capsules, market surveys have indicated a
consumer preference of 44.2% for soft elastic capsules, 39.6% for tablets, and 19.4% for hard
gelatin capsules.
Different types of Capsules
Hard gelatin capsules. The gelatin used in the manufacture of most common capsules is
obtained from collagenous material by hydrolysis. Gelatin is a natural, safe, non-allergenic,
clean, and economical ingredient. The two-piece hard gelatin capsule is available in a range of
sizes; from largest to smallest, these sizes are 000, 00el, 00, 0xel, 0el+, 0el, 0, 1el, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
HPMC capsules. HPMC capsules are stable at low humidity levels, have low moisture content
(3–8%), and low static charge. These natural capsules are available from size 00 to 4. HPMC
capsules are suitable for highly reactive molecules (because they have no cross-linking
reactions). Compared to hard gelatin, HPMC is more suitable for moisture-sensitive products,
hygroscopic products, and for low relative-humidity applications. HPMC is not of animal origin
and does not pose a risk of contamination with organisms that cause bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). HPMC capsules are
used in a wide range of OSD pharmaceuticals as well as nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and
herbal products, due to the vegetarian nature of HPMC.
Fish gelatin capsules. Marinecaps are made from fish gelatin and do not pose risk of BSE or
TSE. They are preferred for filling marine supplements such as EPA [eicosapentaenoic acid]-rich
fish oil.
Starch capsules. Starch capsules are made from potato starch. Their dissolution is pH
independent, and they are suitable for enteric coating.
Pullulan capsules. These vegetarian capsules are made from tapioca, which is naturally
fermented into pullulan. They provide a high barrier to oxygen.
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) capsules. Capsules made from PVA can be used for filling insoluble
drugs dissolved in polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400. PEG 400 when used as single vehicle is not
compatible with other hard capsules. The oxygen permeability of PVA is low, resulting in a high
barrier to oxygen.
Liquid-filled hard capsules (LFHC). Two-piece hard capsules made of either gelatin or HPMC
can be used for filling and band sealing non-aqueous liquid, paste, suspension, hot melts, and
other vehicles that melt up to 70 °C and flow easily. LFHC can also be filled with tablets, pellets,
or other capsules as combination fill. LFHC can be used for moisture-sensitive drugs.
Soft gelatin capsules (SGC). SGC have soft, globular, gelatin shells somewhat thicker than that
of hard gelatin capsules. The gelation is plasticized by the addition of glycerin, sorbitol, or a
similar polyol. It may contain preservative to prevent the fungal growth.
