Application of a Newly Developed Multifunctional Excipient in Tablet Formulation

The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of a newly developed multifunctional excipient series, Lacagpregs, in the formulation of tablets by direct compression and wet granulation methods. Active ingredients (metronidazole, chloroquine phosphate and paracetamol) powders that exhibit poor compaction profiles were used to challenge the new excipient series. The qualities of tablets formulated using the novel excipients via direct compression (metronidazole and chloroquine phosphate tablets) and wet granulation (paracetamol tablets) methods were evaluated using standard protocols. These were then compared to the qualities of similar tablets (metronidazole, chloroquine phosphate and paracetamol tablets) formulated with the physical mixtures of the new excipients’ components, Avicel® PH 101 (metronidazole and chloroquine phosphate tablets), or Povidone K15/pregelatinized starch mixture (paracetamol tablets). The qualities of tablets formulated with the novel excipient compared well with those of tablets formulated with standard excipients (PVP and Avicel® PH 101) and some commercial products in Nigerian market; and in some cases were significantly (p < 0.05) better than both. Among the new excipient series, concentration of the primary plastic material and duration of processing greatly influenced their functionality as tableting excipients, whereas intensity of agitation produced unremarkable influence. It is therefore evident that the new excipient series which were designed to function as binder-filler-disintegrant can be employed in tablet formulation via both direct compression and wet granulation processes.