Basics of Compounding: Capsules
Author(s): Allen Loyd V Jr
Issue: Mar/Apr 2016 - Volume 20, Number 2
View All Articles in Issue
Page(s): 125-134
Download in electronic PDF format for $75
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: 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