Comparison of two varieties of microcrystalline cellulose as filler-binders I. Perdnisone tablets

Abstract

A comparative study of two varieties of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH 101 and Avicel PH 102) as excipients in direct compression prednisone tablets has been carried out. The effects of compression force, proportion of drug/excipient and variety of cellulose (defined by means of mean particle size) on the structural, mechanical and release properties of the tablets were studied. Differences were observed in the behaviour of the two varieties of cellulose affecting all the properties analyzed. These differences diminished, and disappeared in some cases, when 10% prednisone was present. The different degrees of interparticle association and the relations between the structural, mechanical and drug release properties of the tablets explain the differences observed.