Capsules FINAL

Question 1

What are solid dosage forms encapsulated in?

Answer 1

Hard or soft shells made of gelatin or other substances like starch or HPMC.

Question 2

What is a key feature of enteric-coated and extended-release capsules?

Answer 2

They must not be opened.

Question 3

Name two main types of capsules.

Answer 3

Hard gelatin capsules and soft gelatin capsules.

Question 4

What are hard gelatin capsules primarily made from?

Answer 4

Gelatin, sugar, water.

Question 5

How does titanium dioxide contribute to hard gelatin capsules?

Answer 5

It makes the capsule opaque.

Question 6

What is the function of locking grooves in snap-fit capsules?

Answer 6

Ensure reliable closure of the capsule, preventing accidental opening.

Question 7

What problem can occur with high-speed capsule machines?

Answer 7

Splitting (telescoping) or denting of the capsule shell due to contact between the rims.

Question 8

What is the purpose of the Coni-snap design?

Answer 8

It reduces the risk of capsule rims touching during joining, minimizing splitting and denting.

Question 9

Describe the Polycap capsule.

Answer 9

A five-in-one polypill designed to reduce heart attacks and strokes, containing multiple medications for blood pressure and cholesterol.

Question 10

What sizes do hard gelatin capsules range from?

Answer 10

Size 000 (largest) to size 5 (smallest).

Question 11

What are the key steps in the preparation of hard gelatin capsules?

Answer 11

Preparing the formulation, selecting capsule size, filling capsules, sealing, and cleaning/polishing.

Question 12

What are some common excipients used in capsule formulations?

Answer 12

Diluents (lactose, starch), disintegrants (pregelatinized starch), lubricants (Mg-stearate), and wetting agents (glycerin).

Question 13

What types of formulations can be filled in hard gelatin capsules?

Answer 13

powder, granules, pellets, semi-solids, or liquids.

Question 14

What is a Kapseal?

Answer 14

A tamper-evident capsule with a sealed joint between the cap and the body.

Question 15

What are soft gelatin capsules (SGCs)?

Answer 15

One-piece gelatin shells containing liquid or semisolid matrices.

Question 16

List some advantages of soft gelatin capsules.

Answer 16

Improved drug absorption, enhanced patient compliance, safety from cytotoxic drugs, dose uniformity for low-dose drugs, and product stability.

Question 17

What are soft gelatin capsules primarily composed of?

Answer 17

Gelatin with glycerin and/or polyhydric alcohol for elasticity.

Question 18

How do soft gelatin capsules differ from hard gelatin capsules in terms of content?

Answer 18

SGCs typically contain liquids or suspensions, while HGCs generally contain dry solids.

Question 19

What is a major disadvantage of capsules?

Answer 19

They cannot be formulated with hygroscopic drugs and are generally more expensive than tablets.

Question 20

What does the weight variation test for capsules involve?

Answer 20

Weighing 10 capsules individually and calculating the net content after removing the contents and evaporating the solvent.

Question 21

What is the required drug strength range for content uniformity testing in capsules?

Answer 21

Nine out of ten capsules should be within 85-115% of the declared potency.

Question 22

What is the purpose of the disintegration test for capsules?

Answer 22

To measure the time it takes for the capsule contents to disintegrate.

Question 23

How do dissolution tests for capsules work?

Answer 23

They measure the rate at which the drug dissolves, similar to uncoated plain tablets.