Hardgel Capsules

The hardgel capsules consist of two pieces that are in the form of cylinders that are closed at one end. The piece that is short is called the cap, and the one that is longer is called the body. Both pieces are made with the same type of material. Hard gel capsules are made with water, gelatin, colourants, preservatives, etc. Gelatin is non-toxic and is accepted worldwide. There are two types of colourants that are used in hard gel capsules: water-soluble dyes and insoluble pigments. They are mixed together to get a range of colors.

The process that is used to manufacture hard gel capsules nowadays is the same as that used a few years ago. Metal moulds were dipped into gelatin solutions to form films. This was then cut to length in two parts and joined together. Now the whole process is fully automated and takes place in sanitized units. The most important step that has to be taken is that all the raw materials should be available. They are made in a range of fixed sizes, and the most popular ones are from sizes 0 to 4. Such types of capsules are filled with materials that have different physiochemical properties.

The formulations that are used for filling hard gel capsules have to meet some basic requirements. The content in the capsules should be active and easily absorbed by the body. The majority of products used for fillings are in powder form. They are a mixture of active ingredients and excipients. The components that are low-dose potent are easier to formulate. The powder flow should be good for a uniform filling in capsules. The products are formulated in such a manner that they break down in the stomach.