Hard Capsules: Everything You Need to Know
Hard capsules are an oral dosage form designed for the delivery of life-saving drugs, minerals, vitamins, or other healthy ingredients via supplements. These convenient packages offer reliable dosing, portability, and high consumer compliance. Unlike more cumbersome liquid, powder, or paste formulations, hard capsules provide an efficient and user-friendly solution.Get more news about
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What Are Hard Capsules?
Hard capsules consist of two cylindrical shells, each closed off at one end. The upper part, known as the cap, has a slightly larger diameter than the lower part, called the body. When assembled, these two parts form a hermetically closed unit. Manufacturers produce hard capsules before filling them with the active ingredient. In a secondary step, contract manufacturers or brand owners fill the empty gelatin capsules with the desired substance.
Types of Gelatin Used in Hard Capsules
The primary gelatin types used in capsules typically come from bovine or porcine raw materials. Depending on the fill, formulation, and target market group, manufacturers have flexibility in choosing the raw material type. Bovine bone gelatin contributes to capsule firmness, while porcine options offer plasticity and clarity characteristics.
Applications of Gelatin Hard Capsules
Gelatin hard capsules are ideal for powdered or granulated ingredients. These ingredients can be easily filled into the two-piece hardcaps, making them suitable for various formulations.
Dissolution Time of Hard Gelatin Capsules
A standard gelatin hard capsule dissolves in the stomach within twenty to thirty minutes after swallowing under normal conditions. However, different gelatin types or additional process steps can influence the dissolution process. Some gelatin types dissolve faster than others when in contact with acidic fluids and higher temperatures (stomach conditions). For specific applications, such as pain relievers, an even faster dissolving shell may be necessary. Conversely, when targeting the intestines, a slower dissolving shell is required.
Advantages of Gelatin Hard Capsules
Like their softgel counterparts, gelatin hard capsules offer value to consumers and producers alike. These advantages are largely due to their main component, gelatin. Gelatin capsules are preferred over other formats because they are easy to use, easy to swallow, and portable.
