Soft gelatin capsules (softgels) are a specialized form of capsules made from a single, pliable shell that encapsulates liquid or semi-solid formulations.
They are widely used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries for delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), oils, or other bioactive compounds.
Key Features:
Composed of a gelatin-based shell that is soft, elastic, and easily dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract.
Typically used for liquid or semi-solid drug formulations.
Provide protection for drugs sensitive to light, moisture, and oxidation.
Advantages of Soft Gelatin Capsules:
Mask unpleasant taste or odor of the drug.
Enhance bioavailability, especially for poorly water-soluble drugs.
Provide precise dosing with minimal variability.
Allow customized release profiles (e.g., immediate, sustained, or enteric release).
Enable rapid onset of action for certain drugs.
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for aqueous formulations (water can soften or dissolve the shell prematurely).
Relatively higher production cost compared to other dosage forms.
Requires specialized manufacturing equipment.