Kapselgröße

Kapselgröße refers to the physical dimensions of a pharmaceutical capsule. Capsules are a common dosage form used to enclose medications, often powders or liquids, for oral administration. The size of the capsule is crucial for patient compliance, ease of swallowing, and the amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) it can hold.

Capsules are typically manufactured from gelatin or vegetarian-friendly alternatives like HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). They come in a standardized numbering system, with larger numbers indicating smaller capsule sizes and smaller numbers indicating larger capsule sizes. For instance, a size 000 capsule is the largest available, while a size 5 capsule is the smallest. The most common sizes for adult oral medications are often 0, 1, 2, and 3.

The internal volume and dimensions vary for each capsule size. This allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to select the appropriate size based on the required dose of the API, excipients, and desired batch size. Factors such as the API's density and particle size also influence the choice of capsule size to ensure accurate and consistent dosing. The external dimensions, including length and diameter, are also standardized for each size, facilitating automated filling processes in manufacturing. Patient comfort is a key consideration; larger capsules can be more difficult to swallow, particularly for children or individuals with dysphagia.