Products
Various drugs and dietary supplements are commercially available in the form of soft capsules. Active ingredients administered with this dosage form include, for example, pain relievers (e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, acetaminophen), retinoids such as isotretinoin, thyroid hormones, cytostatics, ginseng, vitamins, and fatty oils such as fish oil, krill oil, linseed oil, and wheat germ oil. Soft capsules are also known as soft gelatin capsules, soft caps, liquid capsules, liquid caps and soft gels.
Structure and properties
Soft capsules are dosage forms for the administration of active pharmaceutical ingredients. They consist of a shell with liquid or semi-solid contents. Powders can also be administered with soft capsules when dissolved or dispersed (emulsified or suspended). The shell is composed of gelatin, water, and a plasticizer such as glycerol, sorbitol, or propylene glycol. It is thicker than that of hard capsules. During manufacturing, soft capsules are formed, filled and sealed in one step. It is more complicated than that of hard capsules and it is not possible in every plant. Other excipients such as colorants (e.g. titanium dioxide), macrogols (as solvents) and preservatives may be included. Unlike the classic hard capsules, soft capsules consist of one part; they are sealed and cannot be opened without destroying the dosage form. Soft capsules can be easily swallowed and, unlike tablets, their contents are already dissolved, which is a prerequisite for their uptake into the body (absorption). Their pharmacokinetic properties may differ from tablets. An unpleasant odor or taste of the contents is not perceptible due to the shell. Soft capsules usually do not contain lactose.
Indications for use
Soft capsules are used, for example, for pain therapy, acne, skin diseases, cancer, hypothyroidism and as a dietary supplement.
Dosage
Softgels are mainly taken perorally. There are exceptions such as rectal capsules, which are inserted rectally. Soft capsules are mostly swallowed unchewed. There are some representatives which can be opened or bitten, for example, the supplements containing fatty oils.
