[Use of galactomannan to produce hydrophilic matrix tablets]

Galactomannan currently seems to be a very promising auxiliary. The aim of the present work was to examine the applicability of this auxiliary in tablet-making. Galactomannan is a polysaccharide composed of galactose and mannose, which is distributed by the Swiss firm Meyhall under the name Meyprogat. The products are numbered according to their molecular weight and polymeric degree. Thus, Meyprogat 7, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 can be discriminated. It is used in many areas, for example in the food industry as a stabilizing agent, and in medical therapy to cure diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. In pharmaceutical technology, it is used in low concentration (5-10%) as a disintegrant agent and in high concentration (25%) as binding agent. It is able to form a hydrophilic matrix, which results in sustained release. Theophylline was chosen as model agent. After the preformulation examinations, granulations were made by a wet method, and after this tablets were formed. Examinations were made of the granulations, the physical parameters of the tablets were determined, and the release of the effective agent from the tablets was studied. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Galactomannan yields tablets with very good hardness. 2. Galactomannan is suitable for the formation of hydrophilic matrix tablets. Through use of this macromolecular agent, the rate of dissolution can be influenced in accordance with the desired purpose.