Gelatin capsules are one of the most commonly used types of pharmaceutical capsules. They are made from a combination of gelatin, water, and sometimes glycerin or sorbitol. Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, typically from beef or pork, and is processed into a form that is suitable for use in capsules.
Two Main Types of Gelatin Capsules
Gelatin capsules come in a variety of sizes and colors and are typically used to encapsulate medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. They are a popular choice for both prescription and over-the-counter medications because they are easy to swallow and break down quickly in the stomach, which can help with absorption.
There are two main types of gelatin capsules:
hard capsules and soft capsules. Hard capsules are made of two separate pieces that are filled with the medication or supplement and then sealed together. Soft capsules, on the other hand, are made of a single piece of gelatin that is filled with the medication or supplement and then sealed.
While gelatin capsules are widely used, some people may not be able to take them due to dietary restrictions or ethical concerns regarding the use of animal products. In these cases, vegetarian and vegan alternatives to gelatin capsules, such as capsules made from cellulose or other plant-based materials, are available.
When Was The Gelatin Capsule Invented
The invention of the gelatin capsule is generally attributed to French pharmacist François Achille Barnabé Mothes and his colleague Joseph Dublanc. They developed the idea for the capsule in the mid-19th century and received a patent for it in 1834.
The initial gelatin capsules were made by dipping metal rods into melted gelatin and then letting the gelatin harden around the rods. The rods were then removed, leaving hollow tubes of gelatin. These tubes were then cut into sections to create the capsule shells, which were then filled with medication or other substances.
Over time, the process of making gelatin capsules was refined and improved. Today, gelatin capsules are typically made using automated machines that can produce thousands of capsules per hour. The basic design and composition of the capsules, however, have remained largely the same since their invention in the mid-19th century.
Gelatin capsules have become one of the most widely used types of capsules in the pharmaceutical industry, and are used to encapsulate a wide variety of medications, supplements, and other substances.
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