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Rapid therapeutic response onset of a new pharmaceutical form of chloroquine phosphate 300 mg: effervescent tablets.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficiency, safety and taste of two pharmaceutical forms of chloroquine phosphate 300 mg: effervescent tablets against uncoated tablets. METHOD: An open randomized study with 60 adults who suffered from acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in three health centres in Nkongsamba health district, Cameroon. RESULTS: Mean times to fever clearance, symptoms clearance and asexual parasites clearance were longer in the uncoated tablets group: 36 h (range 24-48 h, SD = 16.8) vs. 60 h (range 24-96 h, SD = 31.2, P = 0.001) for fever clearance, 36 h (24-48 h, SD = 16.8) vs. 48 h (24-72, SD = 24, P = 0.001) for symptoms clearance and 48 h (24-72, SD = 1) vs. 72 h (48-96, SD = 24, P = 0.001) for parasitaemia clearance. Uncoated tablets took significantly longer to achieve 50% reduction of the initial asexual parasite density: (mean/SD) 19.2 h/7 vs. 52.8 h/16.8, P < 0.00001. The adverse effects in the two groups were similar, P > 0.05. The cure rate at day 7 in the two groups was similar, P > 0.05. There was no chloroquine resistance in the effervescent tablets group but one RI and one RII resistance in the uncoated tablets group. The taste of the two pharmaceutical forms was significantly different, P < 0.00001. Effervescent tablets tasted sweet (score = 7.93), whereas uncoated tablets were bitter (score = 2.07). CONCLUSION: Effervescent tablets of chloroquine phosphate 300 mg work faster than uncoated tablets and because of their safe use and sweet taste achieve good therapeutic compliance.

Adult↗

Formulation and stability evaluation of ketoprofen sustained-release tablets prepared by fluid bed granulation with Carbopol 971P solution.

The objectives of the present study were: (1) to investigate the possibility of using a Carbopol polymeric solution as granulating agent by the fluid bed granulating process; (2) to select a suitable method of tabletting for sustaining the release of ketoprofen for 12 hr; (3) to perform stability studies according to International Committee on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines and photostability on ketoprofen SR tablets; (4) to study the influence of the storage conditions on release kinetics and melting endotherm of ketoprofen; and (5) to predict the shelf-life of the ketoprofen SR tablets. Tabletting ingredients were ketoprofen, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate, Carbopol 971P, talc, and magnesium stearate. Carbopol 971P solution (0.8% w/v) was used as a granulating solution in the fluid bed granulator. For comparative evaluation, tablets were also prepared by direct compression and wet granulation, and subjected to dissolution. Tablets prepared by fluid bed granulation technique were stored in incubators maintained at 37, 40, 50, and 60 degrees C, 40 degrees C/75% RH, 30 degrees C/60% RH, and 25 degrees C/60% RH, and in a light chamber with light intensity of 600 ft candle at 25 degrees C. Melting endotherms were obtained for the drug as well as the tablets during stability studies by differential scanning calorimetry. Tablets prepared by fluid bed granulation technique prolonged the release of ketoprofen better than tablets obtained by direct compression and wet granulation. Further, it complied with the requirements of ICH guidelines for stability testing. Higher temperature and humidity (40 +/- 2 degrees C/75% RH, 40 degrees C, 50 degrees C, and 60 degrees C) adversely affected the rate and extent of the dissolution. Ketoprofen SR tablets stored in amber-colored bottles demonstrated a good photostability for 6 months at 600 ft candle. The shelf-life of the formulation was predicted as 32 months.

Acrylic Resins↗

Effects of manufacturing process variables on in vitro dissolution characteristics of extended-release tablets formulated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of three process variables: distribution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) within the tablet matrix, amount of water for granulation, and tablet hardness on drug release from the hydrophilic matrix tablets. Tablets were made both by direct compression as well as wet granulation method. Three formulations were made by wet granulation, all three having the exact same composition but differing in intragranular:intergranular HPMC distribution in the matrix. Further, each formulation was made using two different amounts of water for granulation. All tablets were then compressed at two hardness levels. Dissolution studies were performed on all tablets using USP dissolution apparatus I (basket). The dissolution parameters obtained were statistically analyzed using a multilevel factorial-design approach to study the influence of the various process variables on drug release from the tablets. Results indicated that a change in the manufacturing process could yield significantly dissimilar dissolution profiles for the same formulation, especially at low-hardness level. Overgranulation could lead to tablets showing hardness-dependent drug-release characteristics. Studies showed that intergranular addition of a partial amount of HPMC (i.e., HPMC addition outside of granules) provided a significant advantage in making the formulation more robust over intragranular addition (i.e., that in which the entire amount of HPMC was added to the granules). Dissolution profiles obtained for these tablets were relatively less dependent on tablet hardness irrespective of the amount of water added during granulation.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

Safety of chewable tablets for children.

New emphasis on pediatric drug development makes the availability of safe, easy-to-use dosage formulations imperative for clinical practice. Chewable tablets are a widely used pediatric dosage form; however, a literature review on the safety of this formulation has not been published. We have, therefore, determined the safety of chewable tablets in the pediatric age group based on the published literature. A search of safety information on chewable tablets was performed from the published literature dating from January 1966 to January 1999. Search terms included tablet, chewable tablet, drug formulation, aspiration, choking, asphyxia, airway obstruction, and foreign body. Additional information was obtained from the Physician's Desk Reference, by purchasing products at a local drug store, from calls to manufacturers, and from the IMS Health National Prescription Audit Plus 7. Human, English-language studies of two types were included, clinical articles with any mention of chewable tablets, and aspiration case series. The results of this review showed that more than 60 chewable tablet formulations are approved for use in the United States. Medical issues, including foreign-body injuries, related to the chewable-tablet formulation were extremely rare. The advantages of chewable tablets include palatability, stability, precise dosing, portability, and ease of delivery. It is concluded that the available literature suggests that chewable tablets provide a safe, well-tolerated alternative to traditional pediatric drug formulations and offer significant advantages in children 2 years of age and older.

Child, Preschool↗

A novel method for measuring gel strength of controlled release hydrogel tablets using a cone/plate rheometer.

A novel method for measuring gel strength of hydrogel controlled release (CR) tablets is presented. CR tablets containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were fixed to a glass plate, placed in a dissolution apparatus, and subjected to dissolution conditions corresponding to 50% drug release. Tablets were then removed from the dissolution apparatus without disturbing the swollen (gel) layer. Tablet gel strength (gamma) was determined by shearing the external gelled layer of the tablet by a cone/plate rheometer recording E, energy/volume, as a function of rotational speed of the cone, RPM. The RPM is increased to the point of "Shear Failure," RPMsf, i.e., until there is no further increase in E. Plots of E vs. RPM were fit to a bi-exponential equation, where epsilon is the zero RPM intercept of the plot. gamma is calculated from gamma = ERPMsf - epsilon. gamma is defined as the minimum energy input/unit volume needed to cause shear failure of the tablet gel layer. Mean gamma for tablets containing 50% theophylline and different ratios of HPMC to Fast Flo lactose were determined. Tablets containing 30%, 15%, and 8% HPMC K100MP have gamma means of 6600, 4700, and 1500 ergs/cm3, and percent relative standard deviations of 9, 13, 33%, respectively. Tablets made entirely of HPMC K100MP (no theophylline or lactose) have an gamma of 15,500 ergs/cm3. gamma values are significantly different (p < 0.0001) between the various formulations. gamma values also show a strong inverse correlation with the cumulative percent of drug released in vitro. Results obtained demonstrate the application of this novel method for measuring gel strength of different CR hydrogel tablets and using this strength to characterize drug diffusion in vitro.

Bronchodilator Agents↗

Practical limitations of tableting indices.

The purpose of this study was to utilize tableting indices to distinguish between materials with varying degrees of compactibility by establishing a quantitative relationship between indices and compactibility. Compactibility in this study is restricted to tablet strength and friability alone. Nine mixtures with varying degrees of compactibility were tableted and the tensile strength and friability of the tablets were determined. The tableting indices of these mixtures were determined using an Instron Universal testing machine. An artificial neural network program was used to establish a quantitative relationship between indices and tablet strength and friability. Six new powders were used to validate the models describing the relationship between indices and tablet strength and friability. These powders were compressed into tablets and their strength and friability were determined. Their indices were also determined. The established models were used to predict tablet strength and friability from index values. The predicted values were compared with the experimentally determined values. There was little correlation between the predicted and experimentally determined values for tablet strength and friability. It was also found that materials or mixtures having almost similar indices had remarkably different compactibilities. It was concluded that models created to predict compactibility using one set of materials may not be able to successfully predict the compactibility of a new material. This calls into question the practicality of indices.

Compressive Strength↗

The effect of formulation composition and dissolution parameters on the gel strength of controlled release hydrogel tablets.

The impact of hydrogel polymers and dissolution media on tablet gel strength, Gamma, of controlled release (CR) hydrogel tablets was investigated. CR tablets containing either hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), or carbomer were formulated with theophylline and Fast Flo lactose, to produce tablets with a polymer content of 8, 15, and 30% w/w. Gamma was measured using a previously reported method. The drug dissolution profiles were similar, irrespective of polymer type or dissolution media (DI water, 0.1 N HCl, and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer), at the same % w/w level of polymer. Gamma, however, showed large and significant differences (p < or = 0.05) between tablets containing different polymers and between different dissolution media. Gamma values were HPMC KI00MP > HPC HXF > carbomer 971P (same % w/w) with absolute Gamma values at 30% w/w in DI water of 6600, 4600, and 1600 ergs/cm3, respectively. Gamma for HPMC based tablets was independent of changes in dissolution media, while the Gamma values for HPC tablets were 18% lower in acid and buffer than in DI water. Of the polymers tested, carbomer based tablets had the lowest Gamma values in all dissolution media and an unexpected 58% lower Gamma in buffer compared with DI water or acid. Gamma provides a quantitative measure of the effect of formulation and dissolution parameter changes on tablet gel layer strength, under in vitro stress conditions that may parallel in vivo tablet performance, but which cannot be deduced from a comparison of dissolution profiles or polymer viscosity.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of miconazole after administration via a bioadhesive slow release tablet and an oral gel to healthy male and female subjects.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare salivary miconazole pharmacokinetics following once daily application of bioadhesive tablets (50 or 100 mg), vs the current treatment with a gel (3 times a day, 375 mg day(-1)). METHODS: A three way cross over study was carried out in 18 healthy subjects (nine males, nine females) with a 1 week washout period between each treatment. Plasma and salivary pharmacokinetics of miconazole were assessed over a 24-h period. RESULTS: In all subjects the tablets gave higher and more prolonged salivary miconazole concentrations than the gel. Thus salivary miconazole AUC(0,24 h) was 37.2 times greater for the 100 mg tablet (90% confidence interval [CI] 22.9, 60.5) and 18.9 times greater for the 50 mg tablet (CI 11.7, 30.6) compared with the gel. Similarly, Cmax was 17.2 times greater (CI 11.8, 25.2) and 7.8 times greater (CI 5.3, 11.4) for the 100 mg tablet and 50 mg tablet, respectively. Comparison of the 100 mg and 50 mg tablets gave ratios of 2.2 and 2.0 for Cmax and AUC(0,24 h), respectively (CI 1.5, 3.2 and 1.2, 3.2). The mean time that salivary miconazole concentrations were above 0.4 micro g ml(-1) (the concentration reached 3 h after application of the oral gel according to published data) or above 1.0 microg ml(-1) (the MIC of some Candida species) was greater for both bioadhesive tablets than for the oral gel (10-14 h vs 1.5 h and 7 h vs 0.6 h). Only 19 plasma samples from eight subjects had concentrations of miconazole above 0.4 micro g ml(-1). Ten of these were taken from five subjects after administration of the gel and nine from three subjects after administration of the tablets. CONCLUSIONS: These data strongly support the further development of miconazole bioadhesive tablets as a sustained release formulation leading to improved antifungal exposure in the buccal cavity. A single daily application should improve compliance, whereas the low systemic absorption of miconazole will alleviate concerns regarding drug interactions and adverse effects.

Administration, Oral↗

Plasma concentrations of morphine in children with chronic pain--comparison of controlled release and regular morphine sulphate tablets.

Comparative plasma concentrations of morphine in two children with chronic pain who received controlled-release and regular morphine sulphate tablets are described. The controlled-release tablets were given every 12 h and regular tablets every 4 h. At steady-state, the maximum morphine plasma concentration (Cmax) was 24.1 ng/ml at 45 mg and 18.7 ng/ml at 30 mg of controlled-release morphine sulphate tablets. The Cmax was 17.6 ng/ml at 15 mg and 31.4 ng/ml at 20 mg dose of the regular tablets. The maximum concentration occurred at 2.0 and 2.5 h after controlled-release and 0.25 and 1.5 h after regular tablets. The minimum morphine plasma concentrations and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve normalized for dose were comparable for the controlled-release and regular tablets. These data indicate that controlled-release morphine sulphate may be well absorbed in relation to the regular tablets. If these results are confirmed in a large group of patients, the controlled-release morphine sulphate tablets may offer a convenient (less frequent) dosing compared with regular tablets in children suffering from chronic pain due to malignancy.

Child↗

Evaluation of two buflomedil tablet formulations in patients with atherosclerotic disease.

The bioequivalence of a 600-mg methocel tablet containing buflomedil hydrochloride in sustained-release form was determined relative to a 300-mg CAP/carbovax-coated tablet of buflomedil hydrochloride in immediate-release form. The tablets were given to 20 patients in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study with cross-over between the administration plans. The 300-mg tablets were given b.i.d., at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. while the 600-mg tablets were taken once a day at 8 a.m. (+placebo at 8 p.m.). Plasma samples were collected at appropriate times up to 24 h after administration and were analyzed for buflomedil with a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure. Results showed an overall significant mean difference in absorption rate between the two formulations. The mean tmax (5.5 +/- 3.5 h) for the 600-mg tablet was longer (P < 0.001) than the tmax value (1.8 +/- 0.8 h) seen after administration of the first 300-mg tablet. Analysis of AUC(O-infinity) values indicated that the sustained-release preparation (32.1 +/- 20.7 micrograms/ml h) was not significantly different from the 300-mg tablet b.i.d. (28.7 +/- 16.0 micrograms/ml h). Furthermore, it was seen that single administration of a 600-mg sustained-release tablet of buflomedil hydrochloride delivered the same amount of total drug as a 300-mg tablet given twice a day.

Aged↗

The stability of glyceryl trinitrate tablets during patient use.

The stability of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) tablets stored in ways commonly used by patients was investigated to enable pharmacists and physicians to give better advice about tablet storage. Analysis of 43 samples of tablets collected from hospital patients showed that the GTN content of these samples differed significantly from that of fresh tablets. Tablets kept in the manufacturer's bottle contained significantly more GTN than those transferred to other airtight vials (p less than 0.05) or pill boxes (p less than 0.005). The content of GTN was also significantly lower in tablets stored in pill boxes compared with other vials (p less than 0.01). Similar trends were found when tablets were stored in glass or plastic vials, pill boxes or were left exposed to air in the laboratory. These results emphasize that the best way to store GTN tablets is in the manufacturer's container. However, since many patients find that this bottle is awkward and inconvenient, a suitable alternative would be to carry a few tablets in a small airtight container (preferably glass). The unused tablets should be discarded every two weeks and nothing else should be added to the container. The use of pill boxes should be strongly discouraged.

Drug Packaging↗

Low volume bowel preparation for colonoscopy: randomized, endoscopist-blinded trial of liquid sodium phosphate versus tablet sodium phosphate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the colon-cleansing effectiveness, ease of consumption, and side effect profiles of two commercially available preparations of sodium phosphate: liquid Fleet Phospho-soda and Visicol tablets. METHODS: Outpatients undergoing elective colonoscopy were sequentially randomized to one of two preparation groups: liquid: 45 ml at 7:00 PM, 45 ml 3 h before colonoscopy; or tablet: 20 tablets at 7:00 PM, 20 tablets 3-5 h before colonoscopy. Subjects rated preparation tolerability on a 5-point Likert scale. A Residual Stool Score was calculated for each subject based on the amount of stool, consistency of residual stool, and percent of bowel visualized (range 0-11, 0 = best). The endoscopists were blinded to the preparation used. RESULTS: A total of 101 subjects were enrolled (43 male, 58 female, mean age 58.2 yr). The groups were similar in age and indications for colonoscopy. Overall, bowel cleansing was rated "Excellent" or "Good" in 92% of liquid preparation subjects, compared with 74% of tablet preparation subjects (p = 0.03). Subjects in the liquid group demonstrated significantly less residual stool than did tablet subjects (Residual Stool Scores: liquid 1.3 +/- 1.2 vs tablet 1.9 +/- 1.5, p < 0.05). Subjects rated the liquid preparation easier to swallow (p < 0.005) and more convenient to take (p < 0.005) than tablets. Among liquid subjects, 45 of 50 reported a willingness to take their preparation for future colonoscopies, compared with 36 of 49 who took tablet sodium phosphate (p < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Liquid sodium phosphate is better tolerated and more effective at colon cleansing when compared with sodium phosphate in tablet form.

Administration, Oral↗

Are tablets a practical source of protein substitute in phenylketonuria?

BACKGROUND: A phenylalanine-free amino acid based protein substitute is necessary to provide the major source of protein in phenylketonuria (PKU). Protein substitutes in PKU are usually given as drinks. These are unpalatable and compliance is often poor. Tablets containing a suitable mixture of phenylalanine-free amino acids (Aminogran Food Supplement, UCB) are now available. AIMS: To compare the effectiveness and acceptability of these tablets with conventional protein substitute drinks. METHODS: Twenty one subjects with PKU, aged 8-25 years, participated in a randomised crossover study. During one phase, subjects received at least 40% of their protein substitute requirements from the amino acid tablets and the rest from their usual protein substitute tablets. During the other phase, they received their usual protein substitute. Each period lasted 12 weeks. Blood phenylalanine concentrations were measured at least once every two weeks and other plasma amino acids were measured at the beginning, at crossover, and at the end of the study. The subjects kept a diary of all protein substitute taken. RESULTS: Compliance appeared to be better with the new tablets than with patients' usual protein substitutes. Ninety per cent (18/20) recorded that they took the tablets as prescribed, compared with 65% (13/20) fully compliant with their usual protein substitute. Moreover, plasma phenyalanine was lower on the amino acid tablets, and the median difference in blood concentrations between the two groups was 46 micro mol/l (95% CI 14.8 to 89.0, p = 0.02). Tyrosine increased by a median of 16 micro mol/l daily on the amino acid tablets (95% CI 7.1 to 40.5, p = 0.01). Most subjects (70%) preferred incorporating the new tablets into their usual protein substitute regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Amino acid tablets are an effective and relatively popular protein substitute in older children, teenagers, and adults with PKU.

Adolescent↗

Effect on dissolution from halving methylphenidate extended-release tablets.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect on in vitro dissolution from cutting methylphenidate extended-release tablets in half. DESIGN: Ritalin-SR (Ciba Pharmaceutical Co.) and generic methylphenidate extended-release (MD Pharmaceutical Inc.) tablets were dissolved in water according to the method prescribed by the US Pharmacopeia under two conditions: whole and halved. Samples were collected at 15, 30, and 45 minutes and at 1, 2, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, and 7 hours. Methylphenidate content was determined by HPLC. RESULTS: Halving the tablets caused a statistically significant increase in cumulative dissolution as early as 15 minutes. The difference in cumulative dissolution reached its maximum for both Ritalin-SR and generic methylphenidate extended-release tablets at 2 hours. At this time point, the percent dissolution of the whole versus halved tablets was 57% versus 74% (Ritalin-SR), respectively, and 49% versus 67% (generic), respectively. The dissolution profiles of halved and whole extended-release methylphenidate tablets were parallel from this point through the 7-hour collection period. At 7 hours, however, there was no difference in the cumulative dissolution of halved versus whole tablets. CONCLUSIONS: While statistical differences during in vitro dissolution do exist and pharmacokinetic ramifications have not yet been determined, the absolute differences in dissolution between halved and whole tablets are not great. Halving methylphenidate extended-release tablets may be a clinically acceptable means of achieving a small increment/decrement in dose without converting to a regular-release tablet.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

The suitability of disintegrating force kinetics for studying the effect of manufacturing parameters on spironolactone tablet properties.

The aim of this paper was to study the effect of the granulate properties and tablet compression force on disintegrating force behavior in order to investigate the capability of the disintegrating force to characterize tablets that have the same composition but were manufactured in different conditions. Several tablets containing spironolactone in the external or internal granulated mixture of calcium carbonate and maize starch differing in particle size distribution, were prepared at 3 compression levels. The force developed by tablets during water uptake and disintegration was measured and plotted versus time. The curves obtained were analyzed by the Weibull equation in order to calculate the parameters characterizing the tablet disintegration kinetics. The disintegrating force time parameter, the maximum force developed, and the area under the curve were determined. In general, the reduction of time parameter value and/or the increase in maximum force developed corresponded to an acceleration in tablet disintegration. In addition, the area under the force curve increased in stronger tablets, monitoring in a sensitive way the tablet structural changes introduced by compression force. The results showed that the disintegrating force measurement can detect small changes in the structure of the tablet that cannot be discriminated by pharmacopoeia tests. The effect of manufacturing, in particular compression force, on tablet properties was quantified by the parameters of disintegrating force kinetics.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

Evaluation of powder and tableting properties of chitosan.

The aim of this study was to analyze the process of tablet formation and the properties of the resulting tablets for 3 N-deacetylated chitosans, with a degree of deacetylation of 80%, 85%, or 90%. Material properties, such as water content, particle size and morphology, glass transition temperature, and molecular weight were studied. The process of tablet formation was analyzed by 3-D modeling, Heckel analysis, the pressure time function, and energy calculations in combination with elastic recovery dependent on maximum relative density and time. The crushing force and the morphology of the final tablets were analyzed. Chitosans sorb twice as much water as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), the particle size is comparable to Avicel PH 200, a special type of MCC, the particles look like shells, and the edges are bent. Molecular weight ranges from 80,000 to 210,000 kDa, the glass transition temperature (Tg) was not dependent on molecular weight. The chitosans deform ductilely as MCC; however, plastic deformation with regard to time and also pressure plasticity are higher than for MCC, especially for Chit 85, which has the lowest crystallinity and molecular weight. At high densification, fast elastic decompression is higher. 3-D modeling allowed the most precise analysis. Elastic recovery after tableting is higher than for MCC tablets and continues for some time after tableting. The crushing force of the resulting tablets is high owing to a reversible exceeding of Tg in the amorphous parts of the material. However, the crushing force is lower compared with MCC, since the crystallinity and the Tg of the chitosans are higher than for MCC. In summation, chitosans show plastic deformation during compression combined with high elasticity after tableting. Highly mechanically stable tablets result.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

Preparation and evaluation of tablets rapidly disintegrating in saliva containing bitter-taste-masked granules by the compression method.

The aim of this study was to prepare, using taste-masked granules, tablets which can rapidly disintegrate in saliva (rapidly disintegrating tablet), of drugs with bitter taste (pirenzepine HCl or oxybutynin HCl). The taste-masked granules were prepared using aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymers (Eudragit E-100) by the extrusion method. None of the drugs dissolved from the granules (% of dissolved, < 5%) even at 480 min at pH 6.8 in the dissolution test. However, the drugs dissolved rapidly in the medium at pH 1.2 in the dissolution test. Rapidly disintegrating tablets were prepared using the prepared taste-masked granules, and a mixture of excipients consisting of crystalline cellulose (Avicel PH-102) and low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC, LH-11). The granules and excipients were mixed well (mixing ratio by weight, crystalline cellulose: L-HPC = 8:2) with 1% magnesium stearate, and subsequently compressed at 500-1500 kgf in a single-punch tableting machine. The prepared tablets (compressed at 500 kgf) containing the taste-masked granules have sufficient strength (the crushing strength: oxybutynin tablet, 3.5 kg; pirenzepine tablet, 2.2 kg), and a rapid disintegration time (within 20 s) was observed in the saliva of healthy volunteers. None of the volunteers felt any bitter taste after the disintegration of the tablet which contained the taste-masked granules. We confirmed that the rapidly disintegrating tablets can be prepared using these taste-masked granules and excipients which are commonly used in tablet preparation.

Cholinergic Antagonists↗

Preparation of rapidly disintegrating tablet using new types of microcrystalline cellulose (PH-M series) and low substituted-hydroxypropylcellulose or spherical sugar granules by direct compression method.

To decrease the sensation of roughness when a tablet, which is rapidly disintegrated by saliva (rapidly disintegrating tablet), is orally taken, we prepared rapidly disintegrating tablets using microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH-M series), a new type of pharmaceutical excipient that is spherical and has a very small particle size (particle size, 7-32 microm), instead of conventional microcrystalline cellulose (PH-102) used in the formulation of tablets containing acetaminophen or ascorbic acid as model drugs for tableting study. Tablets (200 mg) prepared using spherical microcrystalline cellulose, PH-M-06, with the smallest particle size (mean value, 7 microm) had sufficient crushing tolerance (approximately, 8 kg) and were very rapidly, disintegrated (within 15 s) when the mixing ratio of PH-M-06 to low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC) was 9:1. Sensory evaluation by volunteers showed that PH-M-06 was superior to PH-102 in terms of the feeling of roughness in the mouth. Consequently, it was found that particle size is an important factor for tablet preparation using microcrystalline cellulose. It is possible to prepare drugs such as acetaminophen and ascorbic acid (concentration of approximately 50%) in the tablet form using PH-NM-06 in combination with L-HPC as a good disintegrant at a low compression force (1-6 kN). To solve the problem of poor fluidity in the preparation of these tablets, we investigated the use of spherical sugar granules (Nonpareil, NP-101 (sucrose and starch, composition ratio of 7:3), NP-103 (purified sucrose), NP-107 (purified lactose) and NP-108 (purified D-mannitol)). Rapidly disintegrating tablets can be prepared by the direct compression method when suitable excipients such as fine microcrystalline cellulose (PH-M-06) and spherical sugar granules (NP) are used.

Carbohydrates↗