Using DRcaps® with Hiprex or Long-Term Medication: One Customer’s Experience
Some customers looking for empty delayed-release capsules find us because they are taking Hiprex (methenamine hippurate) or other long-term medication and are concerned about stomach discomfort.
The following is an individual customer experience. It is not medical advice and does not mean that changing how a medicine is taken is suitable for everyone.
“These have been a god send. My long term medication for CUTI (Hiprex and antibiotics) are very difficult to take as harsh on the tummy causing nausea, burning, reflux etc. If I encapsulate them in the capsules, the side effects no longer happen. Without these I wouldn’t be able to stay on my medication, so I am very grateful these are available.”
Why Do Some People Look for Delayed-Release Capsules for Hiprex?
People searching for terms such as Hiprex stomach irritation, Hiprex capsule, delayed-release capsule for medication or acid-resistant empty capsules are often trying to solve a practical problem: they want a capsule that does not open as quickly as a conventional hard capsule.
DRcaps® are plant-based HPMC capsules designed for delayed release. They are different from standard immediate-release gelatin or HPMC capsules. They are not the same thing as a pharmaceutical enteric-coated dosage form, and the release of a filled capsule can depend on the formulation and conditions of use.
Can I Put Hiprex or an Antibiotic Inside an Empty DRcaps® Capsule?
Do not change the way a prescribed medicine is taken without first checking with a pharmacist, doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Some medicines must not be crushed, opened, divided, re-encapsulated or have their release characteristics altered.
If your healthcare professional confirms that re-encapsulation is appropriate, an empty capsule can provide a convenient outer shell. The required capsule size depends on the dimensions and volume of what you want to place inside.
Which DRcaps® Size Should I Choose?
For a visual comparison of the standard capsule sizes, see our empty capsule size guide. Physical fit should be checked separately from whether changing a medicine’s administration is appropriate.
For customers who want to place an existing tablet or smaller capsule inside a larger empty capsule, size 000 provides the greatest capacity in our standard human DRcaps® range. Sizes 00, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 are progressively smaller.
Before ordering a large quantity, measure the tablet or capsule you intend to place inside and compare it with the capsule dimensions. If you are unsure, contact us and we can help with the physical size selection.
DRcaps® vs Standard Empty Capsules
Standard gelatin and HPMC capsules are generally selected for normal release. DRcaps® are selected when a delayed-release capsule shell is specifically desired. They are suitable for compatible dry fills; they are not intended for filling with water-based liquids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DRcaps® enteric-coated capsules?
No. DRcaps® use capsule-shell technology designed to delayed-release without applying a conventional enteric coating. They should not be described as equivalent to a pharmaceutical enteric-coated medicine.
Are DRcaps® vegetarian?
Yes. DRcaps® are made from HPMC and are plant-based.
Can I put one capsule inside another?
Physically, this can be possible when the outer capsule is sufficiently large. For example, customers sometimes use a larger DRcaps® shell around a smaller compatible capsule. Whether doing this with a medicine is appropriate should be confirmed with a healthcare professional.
Where can I buy empty DRcaps®?
Pure Capsules supplies empty DRcaps® delayed-release capsules in multiple sizes for individual and business customers.
Need help choosing the physical capsule size? Contact Pure Capsules with the dimensions of the tablet, capsule or dry fill you want to encapsulate and we can help you identify a suitable size.
