Effect of Formulation Composition on the Properties of Controlled Release Tablets Prepared by Roller Compaction

This study discusses the effect of formulation composition on the physical characteristics and drug release behavior of controlled‐release formulations made by roller compaction. The authors used mixture experimental design to study the effect of formulation components using diclofenac sodium as the model drug substance and varying relative amounts of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and glyceryl behenate (Compritol). Dissolution studies revealed very little variability in drug release. The t70 values for the 13 formulations were found to vary between 260 and 550 min. A reduced cubic model was found to best fit the t70 data and gave an adjusted r‐square of 0.9406. Each of the linear terms, the interaction terms between Compritol and Avicel and between all three of the tested factors were found to be significant. The longest release times were observed for formulations having higher concentrations of HPMC or Compritol. Tablets with higher concentrations of Avicel s...