What are the three types of capsules?

Capsules are solid dosage forms consisting of a shell, typically made from gelatin or other polymers, containing active ingredients in powder, granule, or liquid form. There are three main types of capsules:

1. Hard Gelatin Capsules (HGC): Hard gelatin capsules are the traditional type of capsules made from gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen. Gelatin capsules are widely used in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter medications. They have a firm outer shell that provides excellent protection for the encapsulated contents and can be easily filled with powders, granules, or pellets using capsule-filling machines. Gelatin capsules are typically transparent and come in various sizes and colors.
2. Soft Gelatin Capsules (SGC): Soft gelatin capsules are similar to hard gelatin capsules but have a softer, flexible outer shell made from gelatin. The gelatin shell of soft capsules contains a liquid or semi-solid fill, such as oils, suspensions, or pastes. Soft gelatin capsules are often used for liquid formulations or ingredients that are difficult to formulate as dry powders. They are commonly used for encapsulating vitamins, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals, providing easy swallowing and rapid release of the active ingredients.
3. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Capsules: HPMC capsules, also known as vegetarian capsules or plant-based capsules, are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a semisynthetic polymer derived from cellulose. Unlike gelatin capsules, which are derived from animal collagen, HPMC capsules are suitable for vegetarian and vegan consumers. HPMC capsules offer similar properties to gelatin capsules, including good stability, ease of filling, and customizable sizes and colors. They are widely used in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and herbal products as an alternative to gelatin capsules, particularly for vegetarian or vegan formulations.

Each type of capsule has its own advantages and considerations, and the choice between them depends on factors such as the nature of the active ingredients, formulation requirements, dietary preferences, and regulatory considerations.