How Do You Fill Capsules Manually?

Before You Start: Essential Preparation

Tools & Materials Checklist

Having everything prepared before you begin makes the process much smoother. You can source items individually or get our DIY Supplement Kit which includes all essentials.

Essential items:

• Empty capsules in your chosen size (we recommend starting with Size 00 Gelatin Capsules for most users)
• Your supplement powder or medication (completely dry and free from clumps)
• Clean workspace tray or plate (to catch spills)
• Small scoop or spoon

Highly recommended (especially for medical use):

• Digital milligram scale - Our Micro Scales are accurate to 0.01g with options for 200g or 500g capacity. Essential for medication splitting, tapering, or precise dosing.
• Capsule machine (for methods 4-5) - Our BPA-free machines are size-specific and built to pharmaceutical standards
• Tamper tool (usually included with filling machines)
• Airtight storage container - Our Clear Jars with secure lids
• Moisture packets (silica gel) for Australian humidity control
• Labels for your filled capsules (especially important for medications)

Solving the Sizing Challenge: Which Size Do You Need?

Understanding Capsule Sizes

Capsule sizes use a counterintuitive numbering system where larger numbers mean SMALLER capsules:

• 000 is the LARGEST size
• 5 is the SMALLEST size
• 00 and 0 are the most popular (60-70% of all purchases)

Here's the capacity reference table showing approximate ranges:

Capsule Size	Light Powders (herbs, botanicals)	Medium Powders (most supplements)	Dense Powders (minerals, creatine)	Best For
000 (largest)	600-800mg	900-1,200mg	1,200-1,400mg	Very large doses, extremely fluffy powders
00	430-550mg	650-850mg	850-1,100mg	Most popular - general purpose, adults
0	350-450mg	500-650mg	650-800mg	Medium doses, easier to swallow
1	250-350mg	400-500mg	500-600mg	Smaller doses, older children
2	180-250mg	300-400mg	400-450mg	Precise dosing, young children
3	150-200mg	200-300mg	300-350mg	Small doses, children, small pets
4	100-150mg	150-200mg	200-250mg	Very small doses, young children
5 (smallest)	50-80mg	80-100mg	100-120mg	Micro-dosing, very small pets

Use-Case Based Size Selection

For Natural Health & Supplements:

• Turmeric, herbs, mushroom powders: Start with Size 00 or 0 (these are fluffy and need more volume)
• Vitamins, minerals, protein powder: Size 00 works for most, Size 0 if you want easier swallowing
• Taking multiple supplements daily: Size 00 minimizes the number of capsules needed

For Pet Medication:

• Cats: Size 3 or 2 (cats struggle with larger sizes)
• Small dogs: Size 1 or 2
• Large dogs: Size 0 or 00
• Horses: Size 000 or 00 (larger animals can handle bigger sizes)
• Tip: Consider our PetCare flavored capsules designed specifically for animals

For Children's Medications:

• Ages 10+: Start with Size 1 or 2, work up to 0 if comfortable
• Ages 6-10: Size 2 or 3
• Ages 3-6: Size 3 or 4 (requires practice to swallow)
• Special needs/sensory issues: Often need smallest sizes possible (3, 4, or 5) to bypass heightened taste sensitivity

For Medication Splitting/Tapering:

• Tapering antidepressants: Size 3 or 2 for precise small doses
• Splitting large tablets: Weigh the powder first, then select size based on volume needed
• Critical: Use precision scales (accurate to 0.01g) for medication—our Micro Scales are essential

For Cannabis Oil:

• Oil dosing: Size 00 or 0 (oils measured in drops, not weight)
• Typical capacity: 15-25 drops depending on oil thickness
• Important: Keep capsules upright after filling to prevent leakage

Visual size reference: Check our complete Capsule Size Chart with coin comparisons and detailed specifications. Over 50% of customers find visual comparisons more helpful than measurements alone.

For Medical Necessity Users: Precision Matters

Why Precision Scales Are Essential

When managing medications, eyeballing amounts isn't enough. Our Micro Scales accurate to 0.01g (10mg) provide the precision you need for:

• Tapering psychiatric medications safely
• Splitting tablets into exact fractions
• Creating pediatric doses from adult medications
• Managing chronic conditions requiring specific dosages
• Working around medication shortages

Tapering Medications Safely

The Challenge: Commercially available doses are often too large for safe tapering. Standard psychiatric medications come in dosages that don't allow the gradual 10% reduction per month recommended by many psychiatrists.

How capsules help:

1. Crush your current tablet into fine powder (use mortar and pestle or put in folded paper and crush with spoon)
2. Weigh the total powder with your precision scale
3. Calculate your target dose (e.g., if tapering by 10%, and your tablet is 50mg, you want 45mg)
4. Weigh out your target dose exactly (45mg in this example)
5. Fill a Size 2 or 3 capsule with your measured powder
6. Take consistently at the same time daily to maintain stable blood levels
7. Reduce gradually following your doctor's protocol

Managing Medication Shortages

When your medication is only available in double doses, splitting with capsules prevents waste and maintains your treatment:

1. Obtain the higher-dose medication available
2. Crush and weigh the total powder
3. Divide powder into two equal portions (use scale for accuracy)
4. Fill capsules with each portion
5. Store safely and label clearly

Creating Pediatric Doses

When children need fractions of adult tablets:

• Weigh the whole tablet first to know total milligrams
• Calculate the child's dose (e.g., child needs 1/4 of a 100mg tablet = 25mg)
• Crush the tablet completely
• Weigh out exactly 25mg
• Use Size 3 or 4 for easier swallowing by children
• Label clearly with dose and date

Cystic Fibrosis Salt Supplementation

Several families with children who have Cystic Fibrosis use our capsules for necessary salt supplementation:

For CF salt supplementation:

• Use pharmaceutical-grade salt (not table salt)
• Weigh precisely for consistent dosing
• Size 00 or 0 typically works well
• Spread doses throughout the day
• Work with your CF care team on exact requirements

For Parents & Pet Owners: You're Not Alone

You're Doing Great

Managing medication for pets or children who resist, can't swallow, or have sensory sensitivities is genuinely difficult. If you've been struggling, that doesn't mean you're failing—it means you're dealing with a hard problem that doesn't have obvious solutions.

Empty capsules have helped thousands of caregivers transform daily medication battles into calm, successful routines. You're not the first person to face this challenge, and you won't be the last. But you can be the next one to find relief.

For Pet Owners: Finally Get Your Pet to Take Medicine

Common challenges capsules solve:

• Food refusal: Pets smell medication in food and refuse to eat
• Spitting out tablets: Sharp edges hurt their mouth, or they detect the bitter taste
• Multiple medications: Combine 4-5 tablets into one capsule for easier administration
• Bitter taste: Capsules mask the smell and taste completely
• Crushing tablets: Powder gets wasted or wet—capsules keep it contained

Size recommendations for pets:

Pet Type	Recommended Size	Notes
Cats	Size 3 or 2	Smallest possible for easier swallowing. Consider PetCare flavored capsules
Small Dogs (under 10kg)	Size 1 or 2	Adjust based on dog's comfort
Medium Dogs (10-25kg)	Size 0 or 1	Can often handle larger sizes
Large Dogs (25kg+)	Size 00 or 0	Larger dogs have less difficulty swallowing
Horses	Size 000 or 00	Common for Cushing's disease (Prascend)

For Parents: Making Children's Medication Manageable

Common challenges capsules solve for children:

• Autism/sensory processing disorders: Heightened taste sensitivity makes standard medications intolerable
• ADHD medication: Large capsules can be split into smaller sizes children can swallow
• Liquid medications: Convert disgusting liquids into swallowable capsules
• Multiple supplements: Combine several vitamins into one capsule
• Daily battles: Eliminate meltdowns and power struggles over medication time

Teaching children to swallow capsules:

1. Start with mini M&Ms: Practice with something enjoyable first
2. Use the "pop bottle method": Sip water from a bottle while tilting head forward (capsule floats up and back)
3. Try different head positions: Some children swallow easier with head tilted slightly forward, others backward
4. Don't force it: Anxiety makes swallowing harder. Keep practice sessions short and positive
5. Celebrate small wins: Praise every successful attempt to build confidence
6. Start with smallest size: Size 4 or 3 for young children, work up gradually

For Special Needs: Extra Support for Sensory Challenges

Children with autism, sensory processing disorders, or other special needs often have heightened taste and texture sensitivity that makes standard medications impossible to take. Empty capsules completely bypass these sensory triggers.

Why capsules work for sensory-sensitive children:

• Zero taste: Medicine never touches taste buds
• No texture issues: Smooth capsule exterior eliminates gritty, chalky, or grainy sensations
• No smell: Capsules seal in any odors that might trigger rejection
• Predictable: Same experience every time (important for children who need routine)
• Dignity: Child can take medicine without struggle or upset

You're Not Helpless—You're Resourceful

Finding this solution proves you're a capable, caring, determined caregiver who doesn't give up when standard approaches fail. You've found a way to successfully get your loved one the medicine they need. That's not just competent—that's exceptional.

Every capsule you fill is an act of care. Every successful dose is a win. You're doing important work, and it matters.

Safety & Hygiene Best Practices

Creating a clean, safe workspace is crucial when preparing supplements or medications for consumption. These practices ensure your capsules are safe and maintain quality.

Workspace Preparation

1. Clean all surfaces thoroughly – wipe down your workspace with 70% isopropyl alcohol or food-safe sanitiser
2. Use dedicated tools – avoid using items that have contacted potential allergens or other foods. For medications, keep completely separate tools.
3. Work on a clean tray – this catches spills and keeps your workspace organised
4. Ensure good lighting – you need to see clearly to avoid contamination

Personal Hygiene

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before beginning
• Tie back long hair to prevent contamination
• Remove jewellery from hands and wrists
• Avoid filling capsules when ill – bacteria and viruses can transfer easily

Cross-Contamination Prevention

This is especially important if you or others in your household have allergies, or if you're managing medications:

• Use separate tools for different supplements/medications
• Clean all equipment between different powders
• Store different powders in clearly labelled containers
• If someone has severe allergies, consider filling their capsules in a completely separate area
• For medications: Never mix medication tools with supplement tools

Understanding Your Powder Type

Not all powders fill the same way. Understanding your powder's characteristics helps you choose the best filling method and avoid frustration.

Dense Powders

Examples: Protein powder, creatine, many vitamin powders, magnesium citrate

Characteristics: Heavy, compact, flows easily, minimal air pockets

Best methods: Spoon method, scoop 'n' push, paper method – these powders fill quickly and don't require much tamping

Light & Fluffy Powders

Examples: Moringa, turmeric, most herbal powders, some mushroom extracts

Characteristics: Very light, voluminous, lots of air between particles, doesn't compact easily

Best methods: Tamping is essential; funnel method or filling machine works well

Tips: May need larger capsule sizes to achieve desired doses. Tap and tamp multiple times to remove air pockets. The "fineness of the herb" dramatically affects how much fits—finely ground powders pack tighter than coarse herbal material.

Sticky or Hygroscopic Powders

Examples: Some herbal extracts, hygroscopic vitamins

Characteristics: Clumps easily, attracts moisture, may stick to tools and capsules

Best methods: Paper method minimises handling; work quickly to reduce moisture exposure

Oils and Liquids

Examples: oil, THC oil, oregano oil, fish oil

Characteristics: Liquid form, needs different filling technique

Best method: Use syringe or dropper to carefully fill (typically 15-25 drops per Size 00 capsule)

Critical tips:

• Fill capsules and keep upright immediately to prevent leakage
• Don't overfill—leave small air gap at top
• Some customers freeze filled oil capsules to reduce leakage risk
• Consider using vegetarian capsules (HPMC) as they resist oil better than gelatin
• Store in cool, dark place