Capsules are solid
dosage forms in which one or more medicinal and inert ingredients are enclosed
in a small shell or container usually made of gelatin.
Capsules are solid
dosage forms in which one or more medicinal and inert ingredients are enclosed
in a small shell or container usually made of gelatin.
See Chapter on Capsules and Tables Page 179 of 7th Edition of "Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems"
Hard Gelatin Capsules
Larger portion called body.
Smaller section called cap.
Both commercially and extemporaneously the method of filling requires
that the amount of powder that contains the dose to be given must be matched
with the volume contained in the body of the capsule.
Conventional capsules are oblong with curved ends. They are usually
clear but can be colored during manufacture by incorporating a water soluble
dye in the gelatin solution. The solution is then coated on molds and dried.
Hard gelatin capsules are used to hold dry powders. They dissolve in
water and immediately release the contents. They are capable of holding
oil drugs but they must be sealed to do so.
How could you seal a
hard gelatin capsule?? Capsules are easy to transport and easy to use.
The shape allows for easy swallowing. The gelatin becomes slippery when
wet and this aids in swallowing.
Some companies make distinctive shaped capsules. Examples are Pulvules
by Lilly with one pointed end, Kapseals by Parke Davis with a gelatin band
of a different color which seals the capsule shut, and Smith Kline hexagonal
shaped capsules originally used to hold the sustained release "spansule"
Some companies now make capsules with a sealing mechanism such as Snap-fit.
Soft Elastic Capsules
Soft Capsule that must be sealed after filling. R.P. Scherer is a large
manufacturer and does contract filling. Useful for liquids and for material
with a distinct odor. Made of gelatin but has additional materials added
to make if elastic. Cannot be made extemporaneously.
Ansel page 191 to page 193
Tablets are solid dosage
forms of medicinal substances usually prepared with the aid excipients
and compressed into a specific shape.
Ansel page 196 to page 243
Things added to a compressed tabled include:
Active ingredient(s)
Binders - used to help hold the tablet together after compression.
Starch, Gelatin
Disintegrants - used to help break the tablet apart after ingestion.
Starch, Clay, Gum
Lubricant - used to make the powder flow in the tablet machine and
to lubricate the steel punches & dies. Talc, Mg Sterate
Diluents - used to add volume to the tablet to increase its size. Lactose,
Starch etc.
Colors - GRAS dye
Flavors - used in chewable tables also add sweeteners (sugar - nutrasweet
- manitol)
Controlled release polymers
Coatings for Tablets
Sugar Coating - for color and cover bad taste. M&Ms
Film Coat - Polymeric material used to color and hide taste. Bayer
Aspirin
Enteric Coat - Delay disintegration of tablets and release of the drug
until after the tablet moves from the stomach to intestinal tract.
Controlled release - Osmotic pump ?? Alza
Multiple compression tablets - Two components that cannot be put in
contact with each other compressed into each layer. Bufferin
There are also tablets not intended for oral administration. Inserts, Effervescent, Sublingual.
Testing of Tablets Hardness
Friability
Disintegration Rate
Dissolution Rate
Bioavailability Next Lecture