Manufacturing soft gelatin capsules

One disadvantage of soft gelatin capsules is that such products often must be contracted out to a limited number of firms having the necessary filling equipment and expertise. Materials must be shipped to the soft gelatin capsule facility, and products must be shipped back to the pharmaceutical manufacturer for final packaging and distribution. Additional quality control measures may be required. 

The formulation for soft gelatin capsules involves liquid rather than powder technology. Materials are generally formulated to produce the smallest possible capsule consistent with maximum stability, therapeutic effectiveness, and manufacture efficiency [3],... 

Because of the highly cost-intensive operation of softgel capsule production, it is not possible for formulation scientists to conduct research on all phases of the formulation and process development of soft gelatin capsules. However, based on the unique advantages and special properties of this type of dosage form, the formulators should familiarize themselves with the overall technology and processes involved both in the development and manufacturing aspects. 

Brox, W. Meinzer, A. Zande, H. Soft Gelatin Capsule Manufacture.US Patent 5,985,321, Nov 16, 1999. 

In soft gelatin capsules, powdered cellulose may be used to teduce the sedimentation rate of oily suspension fills. It is also used as the powder base material of powder dosage forms, and as a suspending agent in aqueous suspensions for peroral delivery. It may also be used to reduce sedimentation during the manufacture of suppositories. 

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