Rapid determination of nitroglycerin volatility using thermogravimetric analysis

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nitroglycerin is a crucial medication for treating angina.
• Sublingual nitroglycerin tablets are prone to nitroglycerin loss due to volatility.
• Ensuring the stability of nitroglycerin in sublingual formulations is critical for therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of specific tablet excipients on nitroglycerin volatility.
• To evaluate the stabilizing effects of povidone and microcrystalline cellulose.
• To assess the suitability of thermogravimetric analysis for formulation stability screening.

Main Methods:

• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to study nitroglycerin volatility.
• Compressed sublingual tablets containing varying concentrations of excipients were prepared.
• Chemical analyses were performed to confirm TGA findings.

Main Results:

• Povidone USP and microcrystalline cellulose NF significantly decreased nitroglycerin volatility.
• The stabilizing effect was dependent on the co-presence and concentration of both excipients.
• Thermogravimetric analysis proved effective in rapidly screening formulations.

Conclusions:

• Povidone and microcrystalline cellulose are effective stabilizers for nitroglycerin in sublingual tablets.
• The interaction between these excipients influences their stabilizing capacity.
• Thermogravimetric analysis is a valuable tool for predicting nitroglycerin formulation stability.