Which statement best describes a capsule?

Which statement best describes a capsule?

• A. Capsule shells are usually made of hard cylindrical gelatin and enclose or encapsulate powder, granules, liquids, or some combination of these.
• B. Capsules are a type of liquid dosage form.
• C. Capsules are only used for vitamins.
• D. Capsules dissolve instantly in the mouth.

Answer: (A)

Capsules are a solid dosage form defined by a gelatin shell that encloses the drug as powder, granules, or liquid. The shells are typically gelatin; hard capsules use a two-piece shell, while soft capsules use a single-piece shell designed for liquids. This makes the statement the best fit because it accurately describes the common capsule structure and the variety of contents they can hold. Statements that label capsules as a liquid dosage form, limit capsule use to vitamins, or claim they dissolve instantly in the mouth are inaccurate; capsules can hold solids or liquids, are not limited to vitamins, and they are designed to release their contents in the GI tract rather than dissolving instantly in the mouth.

Capsules are a solid dosage form defined by a gelatin shell that encloses the drug as powder, granules, or liquid. The shells are typically gelatin; hard capsules use a two-piece shell, while soft capsules use a single-piece shell designed for liquids. This makes the statement the best fit because it accurately describes the common capsule structure and the variety of contents they can hold. Statements that label capsules as a liquid dosage form, limit capsule use to vitamins, or claim they dissolve instantly in the mouth are inaccurate; capsules can hold solids or liquids, are not limited to vitamins, and they are designed to release their contents in the GI tract rather than dissolving instantly in the mouth.