Investigation of the Compressibility Characteristics of Paracetamol using "Compaction Simulator"

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Paracetamol exhibits poor compressibility, posing challenges in tablet manufacturing.
• Dry granulation (slugging) is a common method for processing poorly compressible powders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the compressibility of paracetamol tablets using a compaction simulator (CS).
• To evaluate the impact of different formulation compositions, including lactose-based fillers and binders, on paracetamol tablet properties.

Main Methods:

• Formulations containing paracetamol, Flowlac®100 or Granulac®70 (lactose fillers), and Kollidon® K90 (binder) were prepared.
• Tablets were compressed using a single-punch CS at pressures ranging from 152 to 452 MPa.
• Tablet hardness, thickness, and weight variation were assessed. Young's modulus and work of compaction were analyzed using CS data.

Main Results:

• Maximum tensile strength was achieved at compaction pressures between 263 and 316 MPa for all formulations.
• Formulations with Granulac®70 exhibited higher tensile strength than Flowlac®100 in the absence of a binder.
• The addition of Kollidon® K90 binder significantly improved paracetamol compressibility, with Formulation F-45-2 showing optimal results.

Conclusions:

• Flowlac®100, a lactose-based filler, can be effectively used with low pressure to enhance paracetamol compressibility.
• Compaction simulator technology enables the design of optimized paracetamol formulations with minimal material input.