What are the advantages of enteric-coated hollow capsules
Enteric-coated hollow capsules are a specially designed drug carrier. The core advantage is to achieve the precise release of drugs in the intestine through enteric-coated materials, while avoiding the destruction of gastric acid on drugs or stimulation of drugs on the gastric mucosa by gastric acid. However, due to factors such as material characteristics and process complexity, there are also shortcomings such as high cost and limited applicability.
Advantage analysis of enteric-coated hollow capsules:
1. Accurate positioning and release to improve the efficacy of the medicine
Gastric protection: Enteric-coated hollow capsules are made of pH-dependent materials (such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, acrylic resin II/III), which are insoluble in the gastric acid environment (pH<5) and disintegrate only in the intestinal alkaline environment (pH>6). This characteristic can prevent the drug from being destroyed by gastric acid in the stomach, ensuring that the drug reaches the intestinal absorption site intact.
Targeted therapy: For drugs that need to be released in specific parts of the intestine, enteric-coated capsules can achieve more precise positioning and release and increase local treatment concentration by adjusting the thickness of the material or adding a pro-disintegrating agent.
2. Reduce stomach irritation and improve safety
Protecting the gastric mucosa: Direct contact with the gastric mucosa by NSAIDs may cause ulcers or bleeding. Enteric-coated capsules can prevent the release of drugs in the stomach and significantly reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions.
Expand the applicable population: For patients with stomach sensitivity (such as the elderly and gastric patients), enteric-coated preparations can improve medication compliance and reduce the risk of drug discontinuation caused by side effects.
3. Improve drug stability and extend shelf life
Moisture-proof and anti-oxidation: Enteric-coated materials can form dense barriers that isolate moisture, oxygen and light, and protect the stability of photosensitivity or the hydrolyzed drugs (such as vitamin C, certain antibiotics). For example, the content reduction rate of enteric vitamin C capsules in accelerated stability tests was 40% lower than that of ordinary tablets.
Reduce dependence on excipients: Common preparations require the addition of a large number of stabilizers or antioxidants, while enteric-coated capsules reduce chemical degradation through physical isolation, which can simplify the formulation and reduce the risk of adverse reactions related to excipients.
4. Cover up bad odors and improve patient experience
Taste optimization: Certain drugs (such as fish oil, Chinese herbal extracts) have strong odor or bitter taste. Enteric-coated capsules can completely wrap the drug to avoid oral contact, especially suitable for children or patients with dysphagia.
Improved aesthetics: Enteric-coated capsules have smooth appearance and diverse colors, which can improve patients' acceptance of drugs, especially in the fields of psychotropic drugs or health products.
