L54: processing of capsules Flashcards
(30 cards)
Q: Name two types of regular capsules
A: Hard gelatin or HPMC and soft gelatin or HPMC capsules.
What are the controlled release capsule systems?
coated granules
coarse dispersions
Q: What does HPMC stand for?
A: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
Q: Why might capsules not be the first choice over tablets?
A: Due to slower speed of production.
Q: Name three non-traditional uses of hard shell capsules
A: Rapid development programs- drugs not suitable for compression- and blinding dosage forms for clinical trials.
Q: From what is gelatin commonly derived?
A: Collagen in tendons - ligaments- and animal tissues.
Q: What are the two types of gelatin and how are they produced?
A: Type A (acid hydrolysis) Type B (basic hydrolysis).
Q: What properties make gelatin useful in capsules?
A: Forms strong transparent gels and flexible films soluble in biological fluids and hot water.
Q: How are gelatin capsules formed during dipping?
A: Stainless steel pins are dipped into gelatin solution at controlled temperatures then withdrawn- rotated- and dried.
Q: What are the two parts of a hard gelatin capsule?
A: Cap and body.
Q: How are soft gelatin capsules different?
A: They are manufactured and filled in one operation.
Q: What makes gelatin capsules soft and elastic?
A: Addition of plasticisers like glycerol sorbitol or sucrose.
Q: What types of additives may be included during capsule manufacturing?
A: Colorants (iron oxides) and preservatives
Q: What is the purpose of capsule dissolution testing?
A: To ensure the capsule dissolves appropriately for drug release.
Q: What information does a capsule size chart provide?
A: The sizes and volumes of capsules for dosing purposes.
Q: What is the dose range for a dosator?
A: Approximately 15–2000 mg.
Q: What are dosators typically used for?
A: Filling gelatin capsules in continuous machines.
Q: How is fill weight controlled in a dosator?
A: By adjusting powder bed height and dosator pin position.
Uniform capsule filling depends on powder flow. What can some of the excipients do?
- diluents such as MCC are needed for low dose drugs to bulk up solution
- glidsnts such as colloidal silica and lubricants such as magnesium stearate are used to reduce friction and improve flow
Q: What non-powder materials can be filled into hard gelatin capsules?
A: Granules- pellets- tablets- semi-solids- non-aqueous liquids.
Q: What enables non-powder capsule filling?
A: Self-locking capsule designs.
Q: What are four potential problems with hard shell capsules?
A: Crosslinking- embrittlement- sticking/solvation- and leaking.
Q: What causes capsule embrittlement?
A: Loss of water (the major plasticiser) to the fill or atmosphere.
Q: What causes gelatin crosslinking?
A: Reactions between polypeptide chains.
