A laboratory exercise in capsule making.
OBJECTIVE
To create and implement a compounding laboratory exercise utilizing a variety of techniques and equipment.


METHODS
A 3-hour laboratory exercise on preparing compound prescriptions for capsules was developed and taught to first-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students. Students completed appropriate preparations and calculation of ingredients and prepared capsules using a hand-packing technique and a capsule-filling machine. The students then individually weighed the capsules and performed batch testing for uniformity.


RESULTS
Ninety-six percent of the students who completed the laboratory performed the necessary calculations for machine-prepared capsules correctly and 100% completed the calculations for the hand-filled capsules correctly. With the hand-filled capsules, 100% of the students processed all 4 units within +/-5% of the stated capsule weight and capsules were deemed successful and accurate.


CONCLUSIONS
Students acquired a firm grasp of basic compounding techniques and the skills to prepare accurate, safe, and uniform dosage forms for patients.
Capehart
Krista D
KD
School of Pharmacy, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304, USA. kristacapehart@ucwv.edu
D002214:Capsules; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000193:education; D003479:Curriculum; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D011786:Quality Control; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014894:Weights and Measures / Q000592:standards
D002214:Capsules