Characterization and adsorptive properties of pharmaceutical grade clays

The adsorption of tetracycline by clays commonly used in pharmacy can be predicted if the identity and character of the commerical clay sample are established. X-ray diffraction. IR spectroscopy, and chemical analysis were used to identify the clay component and any nonclay diluents present in a series of commerical pharmaceutical grade clays. The major clay components were montmorillonite, hectorite, attapulgite, saponite, and kaolinite. The clay structure, the nature of the exchangeable cation, and the presence of nonclay components are important factors affecting the tetracycline-clay interaction. In general, clay structures with a high surface charge lead to a greater interaction with the protonated form of tetracycline, while interaction with the zwitterionic form of tetracycline occurs in clay structures with minimal surface charge. The presence of multivalent, exchangeable cations on the clay surface diminishes interaction with the protonated form of tetracycline. Nonclay components such as calcite and dolomite increase the interactions of the zwitterionic and anionic forms of tetracycline with the clay.