NAME: SECTION: BSPharm2C

Course PHARM 200: Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Drug Delivery Systems and
Medicinal Devices
Activity No. IV
Title Preparation of Activated Charcoal Capsules
Capsules are solid dosage forms in which the drug substance is enclosed in
either a hard or soft, soluble container or shell of a suitable form of gelatin.
Gelatin capsule shells may be hard or soft, depending on their composition.
The shells may be composed of two pieces, a body and a cap, or they may be
composed of a single piece. Two-piece capsules are commonly referred to as
hard-shell capsules and one-piece capsules are often referred to as soft-shell
capsules

Hard gelatin capsules are used by the community pharmacist in the

extemporaneous compounding of prescriptions. The empty capsule shells are
made of gelatin, sugar, and water. As such, they can be clear, colorless, and
essentially tasteless. For human use, empty capsules ranging in the size 000
(the largest) to 5 (the smallest) are commercially available.

When filling a small number of capsules in the pharmacy, the pharmacist may
use the punch method. On the other hand, pharmacists who prepare capsules
Introduction on a regular or extensive basis may use a hand-operated filling machine.

Soft gelatin capsules are made of gelatin to which glycerin or a polyhydric

alcohol such as sorbitol has been added. Soft gelatin capsules are used to
encapsulate and hermetically seal liquids, suspensions, pastry materials, dry
powders, and even performed tablets. Soft gelatin capsules are
pharmaceutically elegant and are easily swallowed.

Soft gelatin capsules may be prepared by the following processes –

 Plate process
 Rotary die process
 Reciprocating die process

In prescription practice, the use of hard gelatin capsules permits a choice in

prescribing a single drug or a combination of drugs at the exact dosage level
considered best for the individual patient. The flexibility is an advantage over
tablets. Some patients find it easier to swallow capsules than tablets,
therefore preferring to take this form when possible.
At the end of this activity, the student will be able to:

1. Determine the different types of capsules and their

` compositions
2. Identify the different methods, technology, and equipment used
to prepare capsules, and;
3. Prepare a capsule extemporaneously
 Manual capsule filler machine
 100 pcs empty capsule shells – size 1
Materials  250g Activated Charcoal Powder (Food Grade)
 1 Empty Glass or Plastic Bottle (must have the capacity to
contain 100pcs of capsule)
Procedure Cleaning and sterilization/disinfection of the materials and equipment
to be used

1. Wash all materials and wipe down equipment that will be used
in the activity
2. Make sure that the surroundings are also clean and the working
area sterilized

Operation of the manual capsule filler machine/filling capsules

1. Take the cap sheet and place it on a clean dry surface

2. Place the encapsulation sheet on top using the stainless-steel
pegs to fix it correctly into place then pour the caps in. In a
circular motion, gently shake the capsules into the holes. When
the holes are filled pour out the excess capsules back to its
container
3. Remove the encapsulation sheet and put it safely to the side
4. If you notice that there are capsules sitting in the holes upside
down, use another capsule and hold it between
5. When all the capsule bodies are in place, move the cap sheet
carefully to the side.
6. Now, take the bottom sheet. Fix the encapsulation sheet to the
bottom sheet, using the stainless-steel pegs to fix it correctly into
place. Pour the capsule bodies in.
7. In a circular motion, gently shake the capsule bodies into the
holes. When the holes are filled, pour out the excess caps back
to its container
8. Remove the encapsulation sheet and move it carefully to the
side
9. If you notice that there are capsule bodies sitting in the holes
upside down, press one side of the bottom sheet with one hand
and use two fingers of the other hand to turn them over.
10. Fix the powder guard to the bottom sheet to prevent spillage
11. Pour the activated charcoal powder on the bottom sheet
12. Use the spreader to fill the bottoms with the powder
13. If the bottoms are not full, remove the powder guard and use
the tamping tool to compress the fillings
14. Remove the tamping tool and return the powder guard on the
bottom sheet to pour more activated charcoal on the bottom sheet.
Use the spreader to fill the bottoms with the additional powder
15. Return the excess powder back to its container
16. Take the filled cap sheet and place the middle sheet on top using
the stainless-steel pegs to fit it correctly into place. (Note: the width
of the holes on top of the middle sheet is marginally greater than
underneath) Take care when fitting.
17. Turn the cap sheet and middle sheet over and carefully fix it
over the bottom sheet
18. From a standing position, very gently, jiggle the cap sheet and
middle sheet backwards and forwards to connect the capsules. You
will feel it when the capsules are in correct position. Exert
even/equal pressure downwards.
 19. Turn the whole set over. Place both hands on top. Push
downwards to lock the capsules.
20. Pour out the finished capsules.
21. Place all the finished activated charcoal product inside a clean
empty glass or plastic bottle
22. Label with the appropriate FDA labeling requirements.

Clean-up Procedure

1. Clean and wipe the used apparatus and machine, with a clean
cloth before and after use. Return all the borrowed apparatus to
the laboratory technician
2. Clean the weighing pan and the surrounding area to get rid of
spilled materials, such as powders, before and after use
3. Clean the assigned working area before and after the laboratory
preparation
4. Arrange the chairs before leaving the laboratory

Data and
Observation

Conclusion

Post- Lab 1. What are the medicinal benefits of taking activated charcoal
capsules?
Questions:
Answer: The medicinal benefits for activated charcoal capsules
is that they are used as antidote for poison. The activated
charcoal binds to the toxins present in the stomach and intestine
which inhibits the absorption of it. It can absorb gas-producing
substances in the digestive tract, leading to reduced flatulence
and bloating.
2. What is the animal product from which hard gelatin capsules are
made?
Answer: The animal product from which hard gelatin capsules
are made or obtained by the partial hydrolysis of collagen
obtained from the skin, white connective tissue, and bones of
animals.
3. What are the advantages of capsules as a dosage form?
Answer:
 4. What could be a disadvantage of capsules as a dosage form?
5. Describe the punch method
6. Give the different sizes of hard gelatin capsules and their
approximate capacity capsule size. Give examples of diluents
and disintegrants that are frequently added during capsule
formulation
7. Compare the procedures for compounding hard gelatin capsules
with tablets and compounding hard gelatin capsules with liquid
ingredients.

Date Submitted