“The drug company capsules have colourings that give me palpitations.”
That was a comment from one of our customers. They bought empty capsules from us because they wanted an alternative to the coloured capsule shell supplied with their product.
It is an easy detail to miss. When most of us check a medicine or supplement, we look at the active ingredient and the dose. We rarely look at the capsule shell. But the shell has its own ingredients too.
What is actually in the capsule shell?
Depending on the manufacturer, a capsule shell may contain gelatin or HPMC, colourants, opacifying ingredients, printing inks and other excipients. Titanium dioxide — TiO₂, also known as E171 — has also been widely used to make capsules and tablets white or opaque.
TiO₂ is no longer authorised as a food additive in the EU, although it continues to be permitted in medicinal products. So seeing TiO₂ on a medicine label does not by itself mean there is something wrong with the medicine. The point is simpler: if you are trying to avoid a particular colouring or excipient, check the shell as well as the contents.
Why some customers look for a plain capsule
People come to us for different reasons. Some are vegan. Some want a transparent capsule. Some want to avoid artificial colourings. Others specifically ask us for TiO₂-free capsules.
If that is what you are looking for, a clear HPMC capsule is often the simplest choice. There is no need for a white opacifier if you are happy for the capsule to be transparent.
Can you simply move your medicine into another capsule?
Not always. This is important.
A capsule is sometimes more than a container. The original formulation may be designed to release its contents in a particular way or at a particular place in the digestive system. Modified-release, delayed-release and gastro-resistant medicines need particular care.
If you are taking a prescription medicine, do not change the capsule shell just because another shell looks cleaner or has fewer ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or doctor whether changing the outer capsule is appropriate for that particular product.
TiO₂-free empty capsule options
For customers who simply need an empty capsule for self-filling, we stock a wide range of clear and TiO₂-free shells.
Our Size 00 clear HPMC vegetarian capsules are a straightforward transparent option. We also stock European-made Vcaps® Plus clear capsules, as well as TiO₂-free Vcaps® Plus capsules in different sizes and colours.
If you prefer some colour without TiO₂, for example, see our Vcaps® Plus Size 00 Blue Clear TiO₂-free capsules. We also carry other transparent and naturally coloured options.
One small thing worth checking
If a capsule does not agree with you, most people naturally suspect the ingredient inside. Sometimes it is worth reading the full ingredients list and checking the shell too.
If you are unsure which empty capsule to choose, contact us before ordering. Tell us the size you currently use and what you need the capsule for, and we can help you find the most suitable option.
Please note: Empty capsules are not a substitute for medical advice. Do not alter a prescription medicine, crush protected pellets or change a modified-release formulation unless a doctor or pharmacist has confirmed that it is appropriate.
