Capsules

Question 1

What are capsules?

Answer 1

1. Solid oral dosage form

2. Consist of shell (usually gelatin), that encapsulates medicinal material and/or inactive ingredients

Question 2

What are the types of capsules used in pharmacy?

Answer 2

1. 2-piece shell

2. Single piece shell

Question 3

Why do we use capsules?

Answer 3

1. More flexible to formulate in smaller quantities

2. Can be made via hands w/o special tools

Question 4

Where is gelatin derived from?

Answer 4

Collagen

Question 5

Gelatin are polypeptide chains that form networks via _____ bond

Answer 5

hydrogen

Question 6

Why do we use gelatin in capsules?

Answer 6

Low temperature = insoluble in water but absorbs water and swells

Higher temperature = dissolves in water

Question 7

What do lubricants/gliants bring to hard gelatin capsules?

Answer 7

Assist during manufacturing and allows powders to flow freely in equipment

Magnesium stearate
Talc
Stearic acid
Calcium stearate

Question 8

What do surfactants bring to hard gelatin capsules?

Answer 8

1. Offset water-immiscibility of lubricants/gliants
2. Increase wettablity of powders in GI fluids

Sodium lauryl sulfate

Question 9

What do disintegrating agents bring to hard gelatin capsules?

Answer 9

Assists breaking up the shell as well as powders of large particle size

Pregelatinized starch
Croscarmellose
Sodium starch glycolate

Question 10

What do diluents/fillers bring to hard gelatin capsules?

Answer 10

1. Provides bulk to completely fill capsules
2. Provides cohesion force between powders
3. Necessary when RX is potent and used in low doses

Lactose
Microcrystalline cellulose
Starch

Question 11

What are the compendial requirements for capsules?

Answer 11

1. Added materials are to increase stability, usefulness, etc
2. Container
3. Labeling
4. Testing
5. API within 85-115%

Question 12

What are eutectic mixtures?

Answer 12

Two components are mixed and their MP is lower