“Delayed release” and “enteric coated” are often used as though they mean exactly the same thing. They do not. If you are searching for empty enteric capsules, it is important to distinguish conventional pharmaceutical enteric-coated capsules from DRcaps® delayed-release HPMC capsules. DRcaps® are designed to delay opening compared with standard immediate-release shells, but they are not conventional enteric-coated capsules.
What does delayed release mean?
Delayed release describes a dosage form designed so that its contents are not released immediately after administration. The technology used to create that delay can vary.
What are enteric capsules?
Enteric capsules are designed to resist specified acidic conditions and release their contents when the surrounding conditions change, usually at a higher pH. If you need empty enteric capsules for a formulation, ask the supplier for the actual acid-resistance and release test conditions. The word “enteric” alone does not tell you how a filled capsule will perform.
What is an enteric coating?
An enteric coating is a pH-responsive coating applied to a dosage form. It is intended to resist certain acidic conditions and dissolve when environmental conditions change.
How are DRcaps® different?
DRcaps® are delayed-release HPMC capsules. Their delayed-release behaviour comes from the capsule technology itself rather than a separately applied conventional enteric coating. For that reason, describing DRcaps® simply as “enteric-coated capsules” is inaccurate.
Empty enteric capsules vs DRcaps®: what should you compare?
- Release requirements: distinguish a specified pH-triggered enteric release requirement from a delay in capsule opening.
- Technical evidence: check the manufacturer, test method and conditions, rather than relying on a product name.
- Fill material: our DRcaps® range is intended for compatible dry powders, not liquid fills.
- Size and supply: compare internal volume, pack quantity and delivery to your country.
For manufacturer information, see the Capsugel DRcaps® technical study. Its findings relate to the capsules and conditions studied; they do not guarantee the release location or performance of every customer-filled formulation.
Why does the terminology matter?
Customers may search for “acid resistant”, “delayed release” and “enteric capsules” when trying to solve a similar practical problem, but the technologies and performance claims are not interchangeable.
When might delayed release be useful?
Typical applications include formulations containing probiotics, enzymes and other ingredients for which immediate exposure to gastric conditions may be undesirable.
Where can I buy empty capsules for delayed release?
If delayed-release HPMC shells meet your requirements, browse our DRcaps® empty capsule range. Start with Size 00 DRcaps® or the larger Size 000 DRcaps®, then check the capsule size guide before ordering. Pure Capsules supplies from the UK with delivery to the United States and worldwide; check shipping options at checkout.
Are DRcaps® enteric-coated capsules?
No. DRcaps® are delayed-release HPMC capsules and should not be described as conventional enteric-coated capsules. If your formulation requires a defined enteric release specification, confirm that specification and supporting test data before selecting a shell.
Can I fill empty enteric capsules at home?
Filling a capsule does not validate its release performance. Choose a shell compatible with your dry ingredient and follow its storage and filling instructions. Our DRcaps® products are not suitable for liquid fills.
Before changing a medicine
Do not assume that moving a medicine into a different capsule is appropriate. Modified-release, gastro-resistant and other specialised medicines can depend on their original formulation. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before altering a medicine.
Shop DRcaps® delayed-release empty capsules by size, including Size 000 clear DRcaps®. DRcaps® are suitable for compatible dry fills and are not interchangeable with certified pharmaceutical enteric-coated capsules. Pure Capsules ships to the United States and worldwide.
