Capsules, Tablets, and Powders Practicum in Pharmacy Technician

Introduction Capsules, tablets, and powders are among the most common dosage forms. Compounding can customize medications to meet individual patient requirements while still providing an easy and convenient route of administration.

Types and Definitions Tablets – solid dosage form that may be administered orally, sublingually, buccally, vaginally, or as an implant or pellet under the skin. Compressed Tablet - is the most prescribed dosage form. This is because it is convenient, portable, stable, and easy to administer. This disadvantage of tablets is that they are available in fixed dosage strengths and combinations.

Types and Definitions Different Forms of tablets that can be compounded: Compressed – are designed to be swallowed whole Sublingual – placed under the tongue Buccal – placed in the cheek pouch to dissolve Triturates – which dissolve in body fluids Effervescent – which are submersed in a liquid to dissolve Implants or pellets – are imbedded in the body subcutaneously.

Composition and Ingredients Tablets are generally prepared by using the active ingredient along with excipients such as lactose, sucrose, dextrose, mannitol, or a combination of sugars that form an appropriate base.

Preparation and Compounding Techniques Tablets are prepared using a mold of the appropriate size for the intended dosage form and use. Calibrating the mold is done prior to compounding a specific formula, since each base will have a different capacity. This is done by preparing a batch of the base used in the formula. The batch is weighed and divided by the total number of tablets to get the average weight of each tablet. This is used when calculating the formula.

Preparation and Compounding Techniques The active ingredient is triturated with eth tablet base using geometric dilution. When the powders are combined, the mixture is the dampened to a play dough consistency so that it will adhere to the mold. The mixture is added to the mold using a hard rubber spatula applying pressure to pack each cavity. Must work quickly and efficiently so the mixture does not dry. Apply the top plate of the mold and allow to dry.

Types and Definitions Capsules – solid dosage form in which the active ingredient and excipients are enclosed in either a soft or hard gelatin shell. The gelatin shell will dissolve in the stomach to release the medication. Hardshell – contain powders Softshell – contain liquids May contain more than one active ingredient

Types and Definitions Benefits of Capsules: Pharmaceutical elegance Convenience Ease of administration Taste concealment Can easily be compounded Can contain several medications in one Can contain the exact dose for patient needs Enhances compliance Cost effective Beneficial to those with allergies to excipients

Composition and Ingredients The gelatin shell used in capsules is made of two parts. Body – longer end that fits into the shorter end Cap – shorter end designed to fit over the base Capsules come in 8 different sizes, with the smallest being #5 and largest being #000

Composition and Ingredients Colored capsules are used to designate different medications or different strengths of the same medication. Coloring agent may be added to the powders to be encapsulated in a clear shell. The relationship between the active ingredient and the necessary excipients will vary with each compounded capsule prescription.

Preparation and Compounding Techniques The active ingredients and excipients needed to form the capsule may be encapsulated by hand or using a capsule machine. Which method is best will be determined by several factors: Quantity being prepared Density of the powder(s) The ease at which the powders flow Static electricity Amount of powder being encapsulated

Preparation and Compounding Techniques Powder ingredients should be reduced in particle size using a mortar and pestle. After the particle size has been reduced, the ingredients should be mixed together using geometric dilution. Geometric dilution – start with the ingredient of the smallest amount and double the portion by adding the additional ingredients in order of quantity. This process ensures even distribution of the active ingredient throughout the final mixture.

Preparation and Compounding Techniques Hand Filling Powder is poured onto a clean hard surface. Powder is packed using the flat side of a spatula. The body (long end) of the capsule is pushed into the powder. Can be helpful to rotate the body a quarter of a turn as it comes in contact with the surface below. Capsules are weighed as they are being filled. An error rate of 10 percent or less is acceptable

Types and Definitions Powders – are a solid dosage form made form a thoroughly blended mixture of one or more active ingredients and excipients. Powders can be used either internally or externally. Internal powders include those for reconstitution such as an oral antibiotic, Those to be inhaled through the nose for migraines, or those to be insulated into an ear or nasal passage for infection. External powders included those for dusting a compromised area of the skin such as an antifungal. Powder dosage forms are more common in veterinary medicine.

Preparation and Compounding Techniques The particle size of the active ingredient and any excipients must be reduced so that all the particles of each ingredient are of the same size. To ensure this, each powder should be passed through a size 100 mesh sieve or triturated using a mortar and pestle or an electric blender. Which method is used will depend on the physical characteristics of each ingredient. It is critical to use geometric dilution to insure the active ingredient is dispersed throughout. When working with fine powders, the preparer may choose to wear a mask and googles to prevent inhalation.