Hot tableting as a new method for obtaining tablets from slow release-coated pellets

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical technology
• Materials science

Background:

• Ethylcellulose's fragility poses challenges in pellet tableting, hindering slow-release formulations.
• Traditional tableting methods often fail to maintain the integrity of coated pellets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel hot tableting method for fragile coated pellets.
• To assess the feasibility of achieving a sustained release profile post-tableting.

Main Methods:

• Utilized tramadol hydrochloride pellets coated with Aquacoat ECD.
• Employed a hot tableting process at approximately 56°C, leveraging PEG 3000's liquefaction properties.
• Applied low compression force (around 1 kN).

Main Results:

• Hot tableting formed a protective matrix around pellets using liquefied PEG 3000.
• Tablets exhibited good physical properties upon cooling.
• The slow release profile of tramadol hydrochloride from tableted pellets matched that of uncompressed pellets.

Conclusions:

• The developed hot tableting method effectively protects fragile pellets during compression.
• This technique enables the production of tablets with a preserved slow-release profile.