When filling capsules, what is the first step in the punch method?

In the punch method of filling capsules, the first step involves placing the capsule on the powder. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for the subsequent actions needed to fill the capsule effectively. By positioning the capsule correctly on the powder, the encapsulator ensures that the powder can be evenly filled into the capsule's body. This initial setup is essential to achieve uniformity and accuracy in dosage, which are vital in pharmaceutical preparations.

The weighing of the powder typically follows this step to ensure that the right amount of medication is included, but it is not the first action taken in this particular method. Punching the capsule and adding liquid are steps that come later in the process once the powder has been properly loaded into the capsule.