Hemicapsules

Hemicapsules are a type of capsule dosage form that consists of two halves, similar to a standard gelatin capsule. However, a hemicapsule is designed to hold only one substance, and the two halves are not intended to be separated or filled independently. Typically, the two halves of a hemicapsule are manufactured as a single unit, with one half being slightly larger than the other to allow for nesting. This design allows for a more secure closure and can sometimes improve the stability of the enclosed medication.

The primary use of hemicapsules is for oral administration of solid dosage forms, such as powders, granules, or pellets. They offer advantages in terms of ease of swallowing compared to larger tablets and can mask the taste and odor of unpleasant-tasting active pharmaceutical ingredients. The manufacturing process involves forming the two halves from materials like gelatin or vegetarian alternatives. These halves are then joined together, often through a heat-sealing process, creating a sealed unit ready for filling with the drug substance.

Hemicapsules are a variation of capsule technology, differing from traditional two-piece capsules where each half is filled separately and then joined. The integrated nature of hemicapsules simplifies the filling process for certain applications and can offer a distinct physical characteristic for product identification. They are a common choice in the pharmaceutical industry for delivering various medications in a convenient and patient-friendly format.