Soft Gel Capsules

Question 1

what is the shell made of

Answer 1

gelatine, water and plasticiser

Question 2

what do soft shell capsules encapsulate?

Answer 2

semi solids

liquids

Question 3

is gelatine used with bloom strength

Answer 3

yes, and gelatine with higher bloom strength can be used to produce stronger softshell capsules

Question 4

what do the plasticisers do and give some examples

Answer 4

• makes shell more flexible and elastic

- glycerol, sorbitol, propylene glycol

Question 5

if contents are susceptible to oxidation what should the capsules be like

Answer 5

• plasticiser at low concentration

- capsules stored in a cool, dry place

Question 6

what happens in high humidity env

Answer 6

-shell becomes soft and sticky

Question 7

what happens In low humidity env

Answer 7

-shell becomes brittle and hard

Question 8

what are the 4 main types of soft gel capsules

Answer 8

1. chewable capsules
2. capsules to be swallowed whole
3. meltable capsules
4. suckable capsules

Question 9

what are the soft gel capsules filled with

Answer 9

-emulsions, solutions and suspensions

Question 10

what are some of the incompatibilities of soft gel capsules

Answer 10

• high water or solid content
• high or low ph
• high viscosity
• high concentrations of salts

Question 11

how are lipidic liquid formulations prepared

Answer 11

-fatty acid esters, free fatty acids, triglycerides

Question 12

what is a pre concentrate?

Answer 12

• self-emuslifying systems
• capsule is filled with oil phase
• final emulsions formed in situ in intestines