Basics of Compounding: Capsules
Author(s): Allen Loyd V Jr
Issue: Mar/Apr 2016 - Volume 20, Number 2
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Page(s): 125-134
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Abstract: Capsules have been used for administering medications to patients more than a century and have an important role in drug delivery. When a primary care provider prescribes a tablet, the choice is usually, but not always, limited to commercially available products. A capsule, however, can be prepared extemporaneously, which provides dosing flexibility for the primary care provider and the pharmacist. This article discusses the definitions/types of capsules, their applications, composition, preparation, capsule sizes, the encapsulation process, capsule cleaning, physiochemical considerations, quality control in the preparation of capsules, packaging/storage, stability, and patient counseling to determine the proper capsule size. Also, provided are sample formulations.
Related Keywords: Loyd V. Allen, Jr.,PhD,RPh, capsules, drug delivery, sample formulation, dry powder fill, dry powder mixing, encapsulation methods, bulk density, excipients, compatibility, humidity, stability, dose uniformity, storage conditions, patient adherence, swallowing
Related Categories: EXCIPIENTS, FORMULATIONS, STABILITIES, COMPATIBILITIES, QUALITY CONTROL, DOSAGE FORMS/DRUG CARRIERS, STORAGE