Computerized automated system for determining dissolution rate profiles for solid dosage forms

A unique automated system was developed for the measurement of dissolution rates of tablets and capsules. This system, which adheres to principles set forth in the compendia, can test six dosage forms simultaneously. It is modular in form and capable of maintaining sink conditions, and it can handle any type of chemistry amenable to an automatic analyzer. In addition to the usual dissolution apparatus, the system includes a 12-channel combination sampling and solvent addition pump, a sequence control module, pertinent automated analyzer components, a spectrophotometer or fluorometer, an optional recorder, a specially designed digitizing system, and a teletype equipped with a paper tape punch reader and acoustic coupler. Each dissolution flask is automatically sampled every 6 min. Standards may be run either before or after the samples. Since dissolution, sampling, chemistry, and readout are all accomplished simultaneously, the complete test time is essentially reduced to the dissolution time itself. At the completion of sample dissolution, raw dissolution profile data are on the punched paper tape ready for computer processing via a time-sharing system. Developed software provides for the printout of a complete test report in less than 15 min.