Hard Capsules vs Soft Capsules - Which Dosage Form Is Better?

Capsules are one of the most popular dosage forms of dietary supplements and modern medicines. This dosage form is divided into two smaller types: hard capsules and soft capsules. In recent years, hard capsules have been produced more than anything else. In this article, let's compare hard capsules and soft capsules to see why hard capsules are "preferred" by pharmaceutical companies.

I. Things to know about dietary supplement dosage forms – Capsule form

What is a capsule dosage form?

Capsule dosage form consists of 2 parts: capsule shell and active ingredient prepared in a certain form. Specifically:

→ Capsule shell : The large capsule shell is attached to the medicine and is introduced into the body with the medicine. Once in the body, the capsule shell will dissolve, releasing the active ingredient inside the shell. The capsule will be digested inside the body.

→ Active ingredients: The active ingredients inside have been pre-prepared in many forms such as solution, suspension, powder, granules...

With 2 dosage forms of capsules: hard capsules and soft capsules, both the shell and the active ingredients inside are different.

Advantages of capsule dosage form

Usability review

The capsule dosage form is considered quite easy to swallow due to its oblong shape and glossy capsule shell surface. In particular, it is convenient and easy to store and transport because it has been specifically dosed.

Advantages from the production perspective

From a manufacturing perspective, capsule formulations have several advantages:

• Capsules are easy to apply for large-scale production, high yield
• High bioavailability due to simple formulation, few excipients and less impact of preparation techniques compared to tablets

Whether hard or soft capsules, they all have the above characteristics.

II. Comparison of hard capsules and soft capsules

NanoFrance will compare hard capsules and soft capsules so you can clearly see the difference between these two dosage forms!

1. Capsule shell evaluation

	Hard capsule	Softgels
Capsule shell composition	Gelatin, water	Gelatin, plasticizer (usually glycerin), water
Design	Consists of 2 parts: body and lid that fit together tightly.	The capsule shell is a unified, soft, flexible mass.
Shape	Capsule shape	Round, oval, oblong, tubular
Characteristic	– Absorbs water and dissolves quickly in the body – Easier to absorb than drinking directly	– The flexible pill shell contains gelatin. – Gelatin content affects the softness and elasticity of the soft capsule shell.

Hard capsule

Softgels

2. Comparison of hard capsules and soft capsules in terms of active ingredients inside

The dosage unit of the active ingredient inside the hard capsule and the soft capsule is also different:

• Hard capsules: often used to contain active ingredients in powder or crushed granules form
• Soft capsules: the active ingredient inside is usually in the form of a suspension or solution.

Comparing hard capsules and soft capsules, because the active ingredients contained inside are different, different types of capsule shells are needed.

3. How do hard capsules and soft capsules differ in bioavailability?

Here's one more thing you should know: Drug bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which the active molecule (drug or drug metabolite) enters the circulatory system and “exerts” its effects.

The difference in bioavailability between hard capsules and soft capsules is as follows:

→ Hard capsules: Bioavailability depends on the capsule form, they can be affected by: Drug particle size; Excipients; Equipment and method of filling – powder porosity.

→ Soft capsules: Easy to disintegrate, high bioavailability.

In fact, in pharmaceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing companies today, hard capsule formulations are preferred because they can be produced in large quantities in a short period of time and have a higher rate of finished products meeting standards. Soft capsules are only used to produce a few specific products such as vitamin and omega supplements, etc.

Hopefully, with the information comparing hard capsules and soft capsules in this article, you have a clearer view of these two dosage forms. Currently, NanoFrance owns a modern, high-capacity, GMP-standard hard capsule production line. Don't forget to contact us if you have a need to produce dietary supplements!