The Disadvantages of Soft Gelatin Capsules

Soft gelatin capsules have many advantages over other means of consuming medication. They are easy to stable, easy to swallow and, once swallowed, release their contents very quickly. Using soft gel caps is not the only way to deliver a drug, however, and there are a few disadvantages that sometimes make powder pills, syrup or other types of medications preferable.

Cost

• According to the book Theory and Practice of Conventional Pharmaceuticals, many pharmaceutical companies do not have the equipment necessary to fill soft gelatin capsules and have to transport the drugs to have them processed, adding to the cost. This cost can increase the price the consumer pays. Certain health supplements, such as cod liver oil, come in liquid and soft gel cap form. In most cases, the price is greater for the soft capsules than for the liquid.

Moisture

• Gelatin is extremely water soluble, which helps it dissolve in the body. The downside is that soft gelatin capsules are very sensitive to heat and humidity. In hot or humid climates, soft gel caps may stick together or even break open before you have a chance to use them. Keeping your soft capsules in the bathroom may also decrease their life expectancy, since showers create a hot, humid climate that may not dissipate quickly.

Dietary Restrictions

• Gelatin is traditionally made out of the bones and skins of pigs and cows. Many groups, however, have dietary proscriptions that prevent them from consuming animal products found in soft gelatin capsules. Soft gel caps violate the religious dietary restrictions of observant Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. Because soft capsules are made out of animal parts, many vegetarians also opt not to use them. There are animal-free substitute gelatin capsules made out of seaweed extract or other sources, but they are generally more expensive and harder to find.