Formulation and Evaluation of Tablets Compressed from Granules Prepared by Thermoplastic Granulation

The granulation technique and the binder have an essential influence not only on the granules properties, but also on the properties of the final dosage form. Thermoplastic granulation is a process in which solid particles are converted into agglomerates in the presence of a molten binder. Upon cooling, the binder solidifies again and forms solid bridges between the powder particles.

By choosing the right binder material, it is possible to effectively influence the dissolution profile of the final product. When using hydrophilic binders, e.g., polyethylene glycols or poloxamers, a formulation with immediate release is obtained. Instead, lipophilic binders, like waxes, fatty acids or fatty alcohols, are used for manufacturing controlled-release formulations (Keen et al., 2015; Mamidi et al., 2021; Steffens et al., 2020).

The aim of this formulation study was to determine the effect of the binder used in the preparation of granules by thermoplastic granulation on the release of propranolol from experimental tablets. Another aim was to select suitable excipients and their ratio in the granules to ensure a trouble-free formulation of the tablets.

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Article information: Kľoc, D., Wolaschka, T. and Ruttkay, F.. “Formulation and Evaluation of Tablets Compressed from Granules Prepared by Thermoplastic Granulation” European Pharmaceutical Journal, vol.68, no.1, 2021, pp.72-75. https://doi.org/10.2478/afpuc-2021-0003