Question:
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PLASTIC OF CAPSULES?

What happens to the plastic of a capsule. I soaked one in water and it never dissolved it just got soft. Will this get stuck or are they safe to take. I'm thinking of switching from powdered calcium to the capsules for more convenience. I haven't tried taking any pils yet, I'm afraid something will get stuck, I'm 12 weeks out.    — Kelly* P. (posted on April 14, 2003)

April 14, 2003
Hi Kelly, I did the same thing, put a capsule in warm water and it just got soft. I was told to test whether the capsules dissolve within a few minutes (which we need them to do), empty a capsule, put the empty capsule in your mouth and see if the saliva dissolves it in a few minutes. I've been taking capsule form calcium citrate since about 4 months post-op with no problems.
   — Cindy R.

April 14, 2003
I just wanted to say that the capsules are not plastic, they're made of gelatin. Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 14, 2003
The coating on the capsule is gelatin, not plastic. Once exposed to the acid of your saliva and stomach juices it will dissolve. The water just isn't acidic enough to cause it to dissolve all the way. I'm taking a couple different meds in capsule form and they haven't bothered me at all. :)
   — Anne R.

April 14, 2003
I was told to stay away from capsules in my nutrition class. She had a horror story of one post op that vomited nothing but half-disolved capsules one day. I personally am too chicken to risk it. If I have to take a med or vitamin that comes in capsule form, I just take a mouthful of water, tilt my head back and empty the capsule into my mouth, then swallow. Easy as pie. Usually goes down so fast I can't even taste them. Hope that helps.
   — Laurel C.

April 14, 2003
We advise our patients to use the calcium capsules. We've never had a problem, ever. The echo the previous posters - the capsule is gelatin and not plastic and requires more than just water to dissolve it. At two and a half years post op I takes capsules regularly as well as Nyquil liquigels, etc. if I have a cold or something. We are able to process the gelatin. Best wishes to you!!
   — ronascott

April 14, 2003
I take 2 antibiodics daily for rosacea (a skin problem). My surgeon encouraged me from the very beginning to take these with a hot drink. I usually take them with a cup of tea. he said this will help dissolve the capsules. I haven't had any problems using this method. Hugs,
   — Valerie B.