Softgels are a prevalent dosage form among consumers due to their ease of ingesting and rapid onset of action. One key quality of softgels is how they mimic the consistency of a food item. This facilitates the use of softgels as both a drug delivery method and a delivery method for nutritional supplements that can be difficult to consume.
Softgels are not always regarded as the best choice for prescription drug formulations by pharmaceutical development companies, who recommend tablets and hard-shell capsules. Misconceptions about the development phase for softgels and their presumed limitations may contribute to the gap between consumer and formulator choices for prescription medications.
Its quality has led to many uses for them in various areas of healthcare, such as an intravenous infusion for patients who have difficulty swallowing or getting their medication into their stomach. However, Omega-3 softgels are more well-known in softgel ranges.
Here, we debunk some common softgel myths or misconceptions;
Myth 01: Softgels are expensive and difficult to produce.
In terms of cost and manufacturing challenges, softgels are comparable to other oral solid dosage forms, contradictory to popular opinion. The reason for this is that the cost of most formulations is driven by the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), not the supply method.
Our research has revealed that softgels are priced similarly to or less expensively than other solid oral dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.
The only need to take a look at the shortlisting of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs available at supermarkets and pharmacies to notice how many softgel formulations are available.
Myth 02: Softgels are less safe and effective than tablets and capsules.
Softgels have the same level of safety and efficacy as tablets or capsules. In general, the API, not the dosage component, is the most important determinant of a product's safety and effectiveness.
Softgels can positively enhance the safety and efficacy of a formulation in some instances, such as with drugs that have food effects. To guarantee safety and quality, patients may be advised to take the medication just before or after a meal, or two hours after or before a meal, if the drug is in tablet form.
Myth 03: Softgels are not appropriate for all weather conditions because of stability issues.
NutraPak sells softgels all over the world, such as in countries with relatively mild climates like Western Europe and the United States, and also in countries with Climate Zone III and IV conditions (i.e., hot and dry conditions or hot and humid conditions). Softgels can definitely handle all of these conditions, and we test a formulation's stability in a wide range of climate zones on a regular basis.
Myth 04: Softgels are not ideal for prescription medications.
It is a common misconception that softgels cannot be used in the prescription drug market. Every year, billions of softgels are manufactured for prescription drugs, indicating that there is a sizable market for these types of formulations. However, tablets and capsules continue to dominate the prescription drug market.
The preference for tablets and capsules over softgels among formulators may be grounded in their education at universities, where the focus of lessons is typically on technologies such as tablets, hard gelatin capsules, creams, ointments, and liquid products. They don’t emphasize softgel manufacturing and development.
As a result, more schooling about softgels is required—a fully grown, widely used format that provides substantial advantages to both formulators and consumers.
The Bottom-line
Many people prefer softgels because they are easier to digest and have a faster onset of action. Softgels are broadly used in the nutraceutical and over-the-counter drug markets, which are becoming more prevalent in prescription drugs.
Softgels should be a top pick among formulators due to their benefits for preparing highly potent APIs or those with nutrition effects. NutraPak USA has been a renowned omega-3 and calcium softgel manufacturing company.
Our softgel supplements are manufactured with the latest and high-quality formulations. Visit our website to know more!
