How Long Does It Take for A Capsule to Dissolve?
Dissolving a capsule is just beautiful. They have a mystifying science. A crisscrossed network established by a blend of several ingredients releases the potential content quickly when reaches the site of action. Initially, fluid enters the spongy molecules to begin dissolving phenomena. This is a simple picture of capsule dissolving. How long does it take for a capsule to dissolve? In reality, the body system is far more complicated. Before jotting down the body’s physiological response. We want to highlight this parameter from outside the body (in vitro).
Table of Contents
Ⅰ.Nature Of Capsules
Certainly, depending upon the nature and physical characteristics of the capsule you can determine the way they dissolve. As you know that capsules are of two basic types such as soft gelatin capsules and hard gelatin capsules. Soft gelatin capsules have a thicker shell and exhibit high elasticity due to the high concentration of plasticizers so it takes a longer time to rupture than hard gelatin capsules.
On another side, hard gelatin capsules are thinner and more rigid so the ratio of dissolution is comparatively more rapid than soft gelatin.
Ⅱ.Characteristic Of Dissolving Material
Before dissolving the capsule, you must determine the quality of the chemical and physical properties of the fill material as well. This is an important parameter because hydrophobic solutions (oil-loving) such as neat oil, miscible oils, or APIs in oils can’t favor dissolving in water.
Similarly hydrophilic (water-loving) content is a combination of water-miscible liquids that can be dissolved in the water-miscible vehicle.
Ⅲ.How To Dissolve Capsules
Capsules are made up of gelatin or plant-based materials. These capsules rapidly disintegrate by absorbing water. Dissolution of capsules is optimized at 37°C which is normal body temperature. Capsules are the preferred form of medication as these quickly disintegrate in the body providing quick relief.
Simple steps for dissolving capsules in-vitro are detailed below for your ease:
Pre-dissolution Phase
- Gather all the supplies like cups, napkins, etc for dissolving capsules. Place the absorbent material or paper towels on the working area for absorbing spills
- Put on gloves after washing your hands. Set the capsule container in the working area. Add about some ml of water/solvent to the container.
Adding Capsules
- With the help of tweezers, pick up capsules. Place the capsule in a measuring cup containing water.
- Lightly swirl cup forth and back
Checking for Dissolution
- Leave it for some minutes. At this time, you will see partial dissolution.
- It will take 20-30 minutes for capsules to dissolve completely. (Note: the dissolution time may vary from type and nature of capsule to capsule).
Ⅳ.How Long Does It Take For A Capsule To Dissolve?
Gelatin capsules both hard gel and softgel rapidly dissolve in water in a few minutes. Standard gelatin capsules are usually completely dissolved in water within 20-30 minutes for their submergence.
Vegetarian capsules containing modified cellulose take quite a time about 30 to 60 minutes for complete dissolution.
STEPS INVOLVED IN DISSOLVING CAPSULE
The gelatin capsule passes through the following basic phases of dissolutions.
Swelling
When dissolving a capsule in a dissolution medium first alternation in its structure begins with the swelling of gelatin molecules
Rupture
Swelling results in the rupturing of gelatin shell followed by releasing and dispersing of filling material.
Dissolution of Ingredients
In this phase, active ingredient(s) are dissolved in the dissolution medium. Such processes occur in a gradual series; however, the dissolution rate varies from material to material.
Ⅴ.Industrial Equipment Used To Dissolve A Capsule
Discussed below are the following equipment approved by USP (United States PHARMACOPEA) utilized in the industrial sector for determining the dissolving characteristics of capsules.
USP APPARATUS 1 – ROTATING BASKET
The apparatus is used to dissolve the capsule to prevent them from free-floating in the media. Basket apparatus may not be suitable for certain capsules as ruptured material clogs in the mesh and for hydrophobic filled ingredients; the oil phase released from the capsule may not properly be dispersed into the medium via mesh. A large-sized mesh is required to overcome the problem.
USP APPARATUS 2- ROTATING PADDLES
The apparatus does not have mesh to clog to the material but it cannot prevent the capsule from floating. Sinkers are used to prevent the problem and ensure a better contact with the dissolution medium, keeping the capsule remain at the bottom of the container.
USP APPARATUS 3- RECIPROCATING CYLINDER
Like basket apparatus, it encloses the capsule, but a change in the mechanism ensures a different hydrodynamic than apparatus 1 and 2. This apparatus is useful to determine the dissolution of targeted or modified release drugs. The apparatus offers an intense turbulent environment that is useful in the dispersion of hydrophobic filler material.
USP APPARATUS 4- FLOW-THROUGH CELL
The apparatus encloses the capsule accompanied by a filter. This apparatus is designed for lipid-filled gelatin capsules and can be set up for the high or low volume of media suitable for the poorly soluble active ingredient(s).
Ⅵ.Different Factors That Affect A Capsule To Dissolve
There are several factors that affect the dissolution of capsules. These are:
Temperature
Dissolution of HPMC capsules is temperature independent. These capsules have the same rate of dissolution at temperatures between 10 -55°C.
But the dissolution of gelatin and PEG capsules is temperature-dependent. These capsules dissolve slowly at 30°C.
Size
Larger the size longer the dissolution time. A capsule of size 0 disintegrates more rapidly than of size 3.
pH
The pH of the solution also affects the dissolution of capsules. A solution having high ionic strength decreases the rate of dissolution.
Shell Material
It is seen that there is a considerable reduction in dissolution time if shell of capsules have more moisture content as moistened shell aids in polymer hydration.
Cross-Linking
Cross-linking between encapsulated material and capsule coating results in the formation of water-insoluble protein on the outer or inner surface of the capsule shell. This causes difficulty in the disintegration of capsules.
Ⅶ.Precautions While Dissolving Capsules
Following precautions must be taken while dissolving capsules as safety comes first.
- Wear gloves and a mask to avoid contact with hazardous chemicals.
- Clean the workbench before and after dissolving capsules to prevent the risk of contamination.
- Wear overall for averting accidental spillage.
- Dissolve capsules in the uncluttered work area that has proper ventilation
- Rinse the measuring cup with soapy water after dissolution and allow it to air dry.
Ⅷ.Suggestions For The Dissolving The Capsule
Based on the consideration above, the chart illustrates the possible starting points that must be considered before dissolving a capsule:
Conclusion
How long does it take for a capsule to dissolve? Dissolution of capsules in vitro involves interaction between shell matrix, fill material, and water. The composition of capsules influences their rate of dissolution. Other factors such as size, shell matrix characteristics, temperature, and pH also have an impact on the dissolution of capsules. For more information, we recommend contacting our TEAM to avail of Free Consultation.
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