Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nuke, Enough State, Nigeria
Ike-Nor, U.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nuke, Enough State, Nigeria; Ofoefule, S.I., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nuke, Enough State, Nigeria; Chukwu, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nuke, Enough State, Nigeria
Gellan gum was evaluated as a binding agent in lactose-based tablets containing metronidazole or paracetamol. The binding properties of the gum were compared with acacia and gelatin. Granules were prepared by the conventional wet granulation method. Properties evaluated include: bulk and tapped densities, Hausner quotient, compressibility index, angle of repose, flow rate and moisture sorption at different relative humidity. Prepared granules were compressed into tablets in an F-3 Manesty Single Punch tableting machine fitted with flat-faced punches. Tablet properties such as uniformity of weight, hardness, friability, binding capacity, disintegration time and in vitro dissolution (t50, t70 and A20 [amount of metronidazole and paracetamol released in 20 min]) were evaluated using well-established procedures. Results of the mechanical properties of metronidazole and paracetamol tablets indicated that gellan gum possessed lower cohesive and adhesive properties than gelatin and acacia. There was faster release of metronidazole from tablets containing gellan gum than that from tablets containing gelatin or acacia. This was not the case in the release of paracetamol from the tablets, the release was slower than that obtained with acacia and gelatin. The overall results of the study indicated that even though the hardness of tablets containing gellan gum was lower than that containing gelatin or acacia, gellan gum can be employed in the formulation of normal release of metronidazole and paracetamol with moderate hardness, low friability and good disintegration and dissolution properties.