In the field of pharmaceutical preparations, empty capsules, as a common drug carrier, are widely used in the production of oral solid dosage forms. Pullulan empty capsule and HPMC empty capsule are two mainstream empty capsules on the market. They have their own characteristics. Maybe you will ask what differences between pullulan capsules and HPMC capsules are. Which one is better? It will be analyzed from the following aspects.

1. Raw Materials and Nature Differences
Pullulan empty capsules are made from pullulan polysaccharides, a natural polymer material produced by microbial fermentation. Pullulan capsule has good biocompatibility, degradability and stability, odorless, suitable for oxygen and oil sensitive drugs. HPMC empty capsules are synthetic cellulose derivatives made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, with good disintegrability and solubility, and can adjust the drug release rate according to needs.

2. Different Application Scenarios
Pullulan capsule can still maintain good strength and stability in a humid environment, making it more advantageous in storage and use. In addition, pullulan capsule has a good barrier to oxygen and oil, and is suitable for drugs that are sensitive to oxygen. HPMC capsules dissolve quickly in the stomach and are suitable for formulations that require rapid drug release in the stomach. As a result, HPMC capsules offer greater flexibility in terms of drug release speed and location.

3. The Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages
In terms of drug stability, pullulan capsules have natural advantages and are suitable for the encapsulation of more sensitive drugs. HPMC capsule performed better in the regulation of drug release rate. Therefore, the two capsules have advantages and disadvantages, and it is impossible to simply judge which one is better.

Suggestions for Selection 
When selecting empty capsules, the following factors should be comprehensively considered:
Drug characteristics: Suitable capsule materials should be selected for the sensitivity of the drug to oxygen, humidity and oil.
Release requirements: Select the appropriate capsule type according to the release speed and location requirements of the drug in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Patient needs: Consider the special circumstances of the patient, such as dietary restrictions, capsule material tolerance, etc.
Production cost: Under the premise of meeting the efficacy of the drug and the needs of patients, considering the production cost, the capsule material with higher cost performance is selected.

In short, pullulan empty capsules and HPMC empty capsules have their own characteristics, and the selection should be weighed according to the characteristics of the drug and the needs of patients. Suitable empty capsule can not only ensure drug efficacy, but also improve patient compliance, providing a strong guarantee for drug development and production in China. When choosing capsules, we should fully understand the differences between pullulan capsules and HPMC capsules, then make an informed decision.

About HumanwellCaps
Hubei Humanwell Pharmaceutical Excipients Co., Ltd.is a high-tech branch of Humanwell Healthcare Group, specializing in the production of capsules, and with over 20 years of capsules production experience. It is with planned total annual production capacity of 40 billions of empty capsules, currently has 16 imported automatic capsule production lines, and with an annual production capacity of 15 billions of capsules.