Abstract: A controlled release capsule comprises a male plug (2) formed of a water swellable hydrogel which is engaged within a neck portion (4) of a female body (6). The capsule contains a pharmaceutically active material. In contact with an aqueous medium, such as in the gastrointestinal tract, the hydrogel plug swells and becomes disengaged from the body, thereby releasing the active material. In order to facilitate insertion of the male plug into the neck of the body, the body has a flared mouth portion (14) which is wider than the neck. The neck itself may be wider or narrower than the remainder of the body. A water-soluble cap (8) has detentes (18) which clip over the flared mouth portion so as to lock the cap thereto.

Abstract: A controlled release capsule comprises a male plug (2) formed of a water-swellable hydrogel which is engaged with a neck portion (4) of a female body (6). The capsule is intended to deliver two dosages of pharmaceutically active material at different times. A water soluble cap (8) is fitted over mouth (14) of the body, and defines a first volume (9) containing a first unit dosage (10). A second unit dosage (12) is contained within a second volume (11) defined by the plug and the female body. When the capsule is swallowed by a patient, the cap dissolves quickly in the aqueous medium within the gastro-intestinal tract and releases the first dosage. The aqueous medium then comes into contact with the hydrogel plug which swells and becomes disengaged from the body, usually in the intestine, thereby releasing the second dosage a predetermined time after the first dosage.