Abstract: A cellulose ether film is formed of a composition comprising a cellulose ether as a base in which some of the hydrogen atoms of cellulosic hydroxyl groups are replaced by alkyl groups and/or hydroxyalkyl groups, a gelling agent, and a gelling aid. The total content of alkoxyl and hydroxyalkoxyl groups in the cellulose ether is limited to 23-37.6% by weight, which is effective for preventing the gelling aid from precipitating out and maintaining a favorable outer appearance during long-term storage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing hard capsules is characterized by comprising the steps of dispersing a water-soluble cellulose derivative in hot water and cooling the dispersion to effect dissolution of the water-soluble cellulose derivative in the water, adding and dissolving a gelling agent in the water-soluble cellulose derivative solution to give a capsule-preparing solution, dipping a capsule-forming pin into the capsule-preparing solution at a predetermined temperature, then drawing out the pin and inducing gelation of the capsule-preparing solution adhering to the pin.

Abstract: A capsule shell comprising 79.6-98.7% by weight of a hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, 0.03-0.5% by weight of carrageenan, and 0.14-3.19% by weight of a potassium ion and/or a calcium is prepared by drying an solution comprising 18-28% by weight of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose whose 2% aqueous solution has a viscosity of 2.4-5.4 centistokes at 20.degree. C. as a base, 0.01-0.09% by weight of carrageenan as a gelling agent, and 0.05-0.6% by weight of a potassium ion and/or calcium ion as a co-gelling agent. The capsule shell exhibits disintegrating ability equivalent to gelatin shells without degrading that ability even under special conditions containing much calcium ions.

Abstract: A hard capsule for pharmaceutical drugs comprises a water-soluble cellulose derivative as a capsule base, a gelatinizing agent and an auxiliary for gelation. The hard capsule is prepared by preparing an aqueous solution of a capsule base containing a water-soluble cellulose derivative, a gelatinizing agent and an auxiliary for gelation, immersing a capsule molding pin in the aqueous solution of the capsule base, subsequently drawing out the molding pin from the aqueous solution of the capsule base, subjecting the aqueous solution of the capsule base attached to the outer surface of the molding pin to gelate at room temperature, and forming a capsule film on the outer surface of the molding pin.

Abstract: There are disclosed herein a gelatin coating composition which comprises succinated gelatin as the main component and polyethylene glycol, and a hard gelatin capsule formed from said gelatin coating composition. The hard gelatin capsule has sufficient mechanical strength for filling operation. Moreover, it does not become insoluble due to reaction with a special drug having an aldehyde group filled therein. Therefore, it can be used for various drugs, especially macrolide antibiotics for which conventional hard gelatin capsules are inadequate.

Abstract: A hard capsule for pharmaceutical drugs comprises a water-soluble cellulose derivative as a capsule base, a gelatinizing agent and an auxiliary for gelation. The hard capsule is prepared by preparing an aqueous solution of a capsule base containing a water-soluble cellulose derivative, a gelatinizing agent and an auxiliary for gelation, immersing a capsule molding pin in the aqueous solution of the capsule base, subsequently drawing out the molding pin from the aqueous solution of the capsule base, subjecting the aqueous solution of the capsule base attached to the outer surface of the molding pin to gelate at room temperature, and forming a capsule film on the outer surface of the molding pin.