ABSTRACT
Capsules are solid dosage forms in which the drug substance is enclosed within either a hard
or soft soluble shell. Generally the shells are formed from gelatin. The capsule may be
regarded as “container” drug delivery system, which provides a tasteless/odorless dosage
form without the need of a secondary coating step, as may be required for tablets. Swallowing
is easy for most patients, since the shell is smooth and hydrates in the mouth, and the capsule
often tends to float on swallowing in the liquid taken with it. Their availability in a wide
variety of colors makes capsules aesthetically pleasing. There are numerous additional
advantages to capsules as a dosage form, depending on the type of capsule employed.
