There were also some posts about HPMC capsules in the forum earlier, such as the characteristics and applications of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hollow capsules, as well as some supplier information and articles. Generally speaking, they all talk about the advantages of HPMC capsules. I don’t want to talk about them. There are mainly four points: plant origin, will not be infected with animal diseases; will not violate religious beliefs, and cater to vegetarian needs; low water content, relatively affected by humidity Small, suitable for filling hygroscopic or moisture-sensitive contents; HPMC has better stability, less compatibility problems, and no crosslinking.
These are very important information, which helps to understand HPMC capsules. However, if you only read this information, it will be misleading, because these articles will say the HPMC capsule too well for various purposes, and occasionally there will be some wrong guidance. We focus on these issues that are easy to overlook or mislead.
(1) One of the misleading: high toughness, no brittleness
If you just say that it has high toughness and no brittleness, it can only be said to be reluctant. But if compared with gelatin capsules, this is actually a disadvantage. Use two points to prove: firstly, gelatin capsules are more likely to be used than HPMC capsules. Consult the supplier, even if HPMC capsules are said to be better than gelatin, they are only It may collapse, but HPMC capsules are mostly broken or shattered. This nature is clear at a glance which is better or worse.
Personal experience, the quality of capsules from different manufacturers can be felt by hand, and the toughness and softness are better. Personally, quali-V is better than vcaps plus.
(2) Misleading 2: Excellent stability
The stability is better than that of gelatin capsules and may not stand up. It is true that gelatin capsules have some problems, that is to say, gelatin adapts to certain medicines. Having said that, HPMC is not a panacea, and there are some contraindications. It can only be said that each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
(3) Misunderstanding one: only HPMC is a raw material
In fact, HPMC capsules are also made of a variety of materials, and the ingredients are more complex and not single. For example, HPMC, carrageenan, gellan gum, SDS and other materials are prepared. Of course, it is necessary to shading and titanium dioxide, as well as pigments, and possibly some polishing agents.
(4) One of the issues that should not be ignored-long time to break and large individual differences
