THE USE OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL STARCH BASED COPROCESSED EXCIPIENTS (STARAC) IN THE FORMULATION OF METRONIDAZOLE TABLETS BY DIRECT COMPRESSION
Olowosulu AK1*, Oyi AR1, Isah AB1 and Ibrahim MA2
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – Nigeria
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos – Nigeria
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 7(2): 101-108; Nov/Dec 2015
ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to use coprocessed particles of maize starch (MS) and acacia gum (Ac) (StarAc) as multifunctional excipients in the formulation of metronidazole tablets by direct compression (DC). Weighed quantities of MS and Ac at mixing ratios of 95:5 and 90:10 were used to form the coprocessed excipients; StarAc 955 and StarAc 9010 respectively. StarAc (955 & 9010) were evaluated for micromeritics and self-disintegrating properties as well as diluent/binder/disintegrant in the formulation of metronidazole tablets. The results of micromeritic properties revealed that the coprocessed excipients StarAc 955 and StarAc 9010 have good flow properties. The results of tablet properties showed that metronidazole tablets produced with StarAc 9010 were mechanically stronger (8.5Kgf) than those produced with StarAc 955 (5.5Kgf) but they have longer disintegration times (11.68 min) than StarAc 955 tablets (2.04 min) respectively. There was synergy of functionality improvement when StarAc 955 and StarAc 9010 were combined with Ludipress® and Avicel® PH 200. This study further revealed that StarAc 955 and StarAc 9010 possess self-disintegrating property and could be used as multifunctional excipients in the formulation of poorly compressible drug such as metronidazole into tablets by DC method.
*Authors of correspondence: akolowosulu@yahoo.com