Dow Excipients

Capsules

METHOCEL* Premium cellulose ethers offer an excellent combination of properties for water-soluble hard shell capsules. Among their long list of advantages, perhaps one of the most important is that METHOCEL polymers are of plant origin. Compared to animal-based gelatin, this allows them to satisfy many specific cultural and religious needs, while at the same time delivering superior and more uniform performance. Capsules based on METHOCEL polymers avoid concerns about the spread of BSE (Mad Cow disease).

Advantages of METHOCEL Premium Cellulose Ethers in Capsules


  • Plant origin
  • Possibilities of BSE ( Mad Cow disease ) ruled out
  • More stable, flexible capsules due to lower moisture content than hard
  • Low moisture content; especially suitable for hygroscopic fill materials
  • Odourless, elastic, and extremely stable for wide temperature and humidity range
  • Dissolves faster and gives maximum bioavailability
  • Easy to swallow
  • Preservative free
  • Free from potential irritant materials like starch , sugarcane , soya , wheat or diary products
  • Superior natural transparency
  • Cellulose capsules do not support bacterial growth
  • Can work on all current capsule filling machines and does not require any special adaptations

METHOCEL polymers have a long history of successful use in pharmaceuticals, so their properties are well-known and thoroughly documented.  For example, many of the same properties that make METHOCEL polymers excellent tablet coating agents contribute to their utility in capsules.

METHOCEL Premium cellulose ethers are well known for their ability to form strong films. They form clear, strong structures with consistent mechanical properties. They allow excellent control over capsule thickness, mechanical strength, and dissolving properties.

In processing, METHOCEL polymers are easy to handle and offer excellent processing latitude. Solution preparation is straightforward, and the polymers hydrate efficiently. You can use a number of different plasticizers with METHOCEL polymers, and they are forgiving of variations in dipping and drying conditions.

They offer excellent barrier properties and come in a wide range of viscosities and physical properties to help you adjust capsule properties to meet the specific needs of your intended formulation.

Recommended METHOCEL Premium Polymers for Capsules

METHOCEL E chemistry products are preferred in capsule applications due to their clarity, color, film properties, and the range of polymer materials available.

Suggested products:

  • METHOCEL E3 Premium LV
  • METHOCEL E5 Premium LV
  • METHOCEL E6 Premium LV
  • METHOCEL E15 Premium LV
  • METHOCEL E50 Premium LV

METHOCEL F chemistry products may also be suitable for capsules, in particular METHOCEL F4 Premium LV.


®™*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow.