Gelatin/PEG capsules

Qualicaps offers Gelatin/PEG capsules. Gelatin/PEG capsules have been specially developed with Polyethylene Glycol to reduce the brittleness of standard gelatin capsules when exposed to a low-moisture content thus making the capsules more compatible to hygroscopic formulations or moisture-sensitive ingredients. Made from gelatin, PEG 4000 and purified water, gelatin/PEG capsules are available in a wide array of sizes, colors and print options. Like gelatin, gelatin/PEG capsules can be filled with powders, pellets, granules, liquids and semi-solids on high-speed filling equipment.

Gelatin/PEG Features

• Less brittle
• Good for hygroscopic formulations
• Good for moisture-sensitive ingredients
• Odorless, tasteless
• Three-year shelf life
• Available in sizes from 00 to 4

Gelatin/PEG capsules are available in commercial pharmaceutical products
Several pharmaceutical companies, both national and international, have taken advantage of the Gelatin/PEG capsules to manufacture a range of registered products:

• Cardiovascular (Tocopherol nicotinate)
• Vasodilators (Nifedipine)
• Antihypertensive (Captopril)
• Digestive Enzyme

These capsules have reduced or eliminated the problem of brittle capsules seen during the filling, packaging and subsequent handling process. Several active ingredients have been formulated successfully. These materials all tended to withdraw moisture from the capsule shell, either because they were hygroscopic or because they were dried to below their equilibrium moisture content (EMC) to improve their stability.

The brittleness of both standard gelatin capsules and gelatin/PEG capsules increases as their moisture content decreases. The addition of PEG improves the mechanical strength of the capsule. At moisture contents between 8% - 12%, gelatin/PEG capsules have equivalent mechanical strength to standard gelatin capsules with moisture between 13% - 16%.

Additional benefits of Gelatin/PEG capsules

• Filling performance comparable to gelatin two-piece capsules
• Retain all of the benefits of standard gelatin capsules
• Offer more capsule formulation options than standard gelatin capsules
• Considered a “minor change” according to current regulations
• Worldwide availability

Contact Qualicaps for a brochure and published test results