A developed composite hard-gelatin capsules: delayed-release enteric properties

Abstract

Present study focused on improvement of the formulation of conventional hard gelatin capsules using gastric acid-resistant polymers. We have utilized the same approach of making conventional drug capsules to develop novel capsules with delayed release properties. For this purpose, delayed-release capsules were produced by improving the formulation of hard gelatin capsules. In addition, the effect of adding intestinal polymers such as Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose phthalate, Glucomannan, and Polyvinyl alcohol to hard gelatin capsules were investigated. The capsules' release rate was determined. The degradation tests in an acidic environment were performed and the results were recorded. In fact, the delayed-release hard gelatin capsules pass through the stomach with small amount of the drug release; but their shell remains intact and dissolves as it enters the intestine environment.This article shows that enteric polymers with out interactions, only by changing the formulations will have delayed release properties. this makes sensitive drugs pass through stomach environment and have higher absorption.

Keywords

• Delayed-release
• Hard gelatin capsules
• Polyvinyl alcohol
• Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose phthalate
• Glucomannan