Hard capsules are a type of pharmaceutical dosage form used to encapsulate and administer drugs or supplements. They consist of two main parts, a body and a cap, which fit together to form a shell that can be filled with solid, liquid, or powder formulations. The body and cap are typically made from a combination of gelatin, a water-soluble protein, and water. However, there are also vegetarian options available that are made from plant-based materials such as hypromellose.
Hard capsules are different from soft capsules, which are typically made from a gelatin or other flexible polymer shell and contain a liquid or semi-solid fill material. Hard capsules are generally more suitable for dry or powdered formulations, whereas soft capsules are better for liquids or oily substances.
Hard capsules are available in a range of sizes, typically ranging from 000 to 5, with 000 being the largest and 5 being the smallest. They are commonly used to encapsulate drugs, vitamins, and supplements, and are widely used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Hard capsules can be customized with different colors or printing to help identify and distinguish between different products, but this does not affect their safety or efficacy. Hard capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place to ensure their stability and shelf life.
Enteric-coated HPMC Hollow Capsules