Posted by Larry Hoover on May 24, 2005, at 22:34:32
In reply to Split capsules to Larry Hoover, posted by sdb on May 17, 2005, at 1:07:50
> Dear Lar!
>
> You seem to be very knowledgable (as toxicologist(?)) in this forum, do you have any idea to split capsules in a way that it does not change pharmacokinetics?
>
> Kind regards
>
> sdbSorry, I still haven't had time to read the whole board. I did some at the bottom, and at the top, but the middle......
Capsules are generally used to serve one of two purposes. The first, and most common, is simply to get yucky tasting stuff past the tongue quickly, without exposing those receptors to the yuck. The second thing is to avoid the gag reflex, that comes from certain textures (as well as some tastes).
The gelatin coating of the capsule dissolves in very short order, in the stomach. So, the capsule itself has no effect on pharmacokinetics.
If by "splitting a capsule" you mean taking the contents of one capsule and putting it into two separate ones, then you change nothing at all. The pharmacokinetics will be consistent with the dose, and the frequency of dosing.
I hope that answers your question. If not, help me to understand what you need to figure out.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:498791
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050510/msgs/502529.html