The binder effect of povidone on the mechanical properties of paracetamol containing tablets

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence from the pharmaceutical industry suggests that the formulation of paracetamol tablets is problematic due to unsatisfactory mechanical properties. Thus the choice of a binder is a critical material attribute in the formulation of these tablets. This study evaluated the binder effect of povidone K90 and povidone K30, differing in degree of polymerization, on the mechanical properties of paracetamol tablets. Five batches of paracetamol tablets with varying binary binder ratios of povidone K90 and povidone K30 were formulated, maintaining a total binder concentration of 5%w/w per tablet. The binary binder ratios of povidone K90: povidone K30 were 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3 and 0:1 in tablet batches B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5 respectively. The mechanical properties of the resultant tablets were evaluated using the crushing strength friability ratio, as the response variable for tablet strength, and the crushing strength friability ratio disintegration time, as the response variable for tablet quality. Batch B1 tablets had the highest crushing strength friability ratio whilst batch B4 tablets had the highest crushing strength friability ratio disintegration time, p<0.05, 95% confidence level. Formulation of tablets with a 1:3 ratio of povidone K90: povidone K30, produced tablets with the best mechanical properties demonstrating both sufficient crushing strength and optimal disintegration time.

Keywords: paracetamol tablets, povidone, crushing strength, friability, disintegration