Pharmaceutics Solid Dosage Forms: Tablets and Capsules

Capsule Types

Topic overview

Start with the big picture

Hard gelatin capsules have a two-piece body-and-cap shell and can hold powders, granules, pellets, or mini-tablets; liquid fills require additional measures such as sealing or use of absorbent carriers. Their fill weight depends on factors including bulk density and tamping depth. Soft gelatin capsules are formed, filled, and sealed in a continuous rotary-die process, making them suitable for oils and other liquid or suspension-based fills. Modified-release designs use coated units, multiparticulates, or shell coatings to achieve patterns such as enteric, sustained, or pulsatile release. Across these types, shell properties, excipients, storage conditions, and quality checks influence product integrity and performance.

Learning objectives

What you'll learn

  • Distinguish hard gelatin, soft gelatin, and modified-release capsule designs.
  • Describe how capsule composition and manufacturing relate to fill materials.
  • Identify formulation and storage considerations for gelatin capsule shells.
  • Recognize modified-release approaches and their intended release patterns.
  • Summarize capsule quality-control checks and common defects.
Ready for the complete lesson?

Continue your study

Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.

PharmaProLearn

Excel Beyond Limits