These free B.Pharm notes on capsules cover chapter 11 of General Pharmacy, a first-semester subject. Read the key points below, then study the complete chapter PDF. You can browse every chapter in the General Pharmacy category.
Table of Contents
Read the following document for full information
Chapter overview
Capsules enclose a drug in a soluble shell. This chapter defines capsules and describes hard and soft gelatin capsules, their shell ingredients (gelatin, plasticisers and other components), advantages and disadvantages, sizes and shapes, and methods of filling by hand and by machine, including the base adsorption and minim/gram factor.
Key points on capsules
- Capsules are solid dosage forms with the drug enclosed in a hard or soft shell, usually of gelatin.
- Hard gelatin capsules are filled with powders or granules, while soft gelatin capsules hold liquids or semisolids.
- Gelatin forms the shell and plasticisers such as glycerin make it flexible.
- Capsule sizes range from 000 (largest) to 5 (smallest) depending on the fill volume.
- Filling can be done by hand for small batches or by machines for industrial production.
Relevance to pharmacy practice
Capsules mask unpleasant taste and are easy to swallow. Pharmacists should know their storage needs because gelatin is sensitive to humidity and heat.
Every chapter in this subject builds on the one before it, so do not skip topics that look simple. Definitions, classifications and official examples are the parts that examiners return to most often, and a clear understanding here will also make later subjects such as pharmaceutics and pharmacology much easier to follow in the coming semesters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hard and soft gelatin capsules?
Hard capsules have two pieces and hold dry fill, while soft capsules are single-piece, sealed and hold liquids.
What is the role of plasticisers?
Plasticisers such as glycerin or sorbitol keep the gelatin shell soft and flexible.
Which capsule size is the smallest?
Size 5 is the smallest and size 000 is the largest commonly used.
Quick revision checklist
Use this self-test after reading the chapter on capsules. If you can do all of the following without looking at your notes, you are ready for the exam.
- I can explain: the definition of capsules
- I can explain: hard gelatin capsules
- I can explain: soft gelatin capsules
- I can explain: capsule sizes and shapes
- I can explain: methods of capsule filling
Study and exam tips
Start by reading the chapter once for the overall idea, then revise capsules using headings, definitions, classifications and examples. Short-answer questions in the university exam usually ask for definitions, advantages, disadvantages and examples, so write these in your own words and practise drawing tables and flow charts where the chapter has them.
For wider reading, standard textbooks and open resources such as the NCBI Bookshelf help you confirm terms and see more worked examples. Revise capsules again a day later and again a week later, because spaced revision improves long-term memory.
This page is part of the General Pharmacy series for first-semester B.Pharm students on B.Pharm Guru, where every chapter has a short summary and a full PDF. Bookmark this page and share it with classmates who are preparing for the same exam.
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