Chitosan as a tablet binder

Abstract

Chitosan was evaluated as a binder for chlorpheniramine maleate tablets in comparison with other cellulose binders such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and methylcellulose. The effects of binder concentration on the mechanical properties of granules and tablets as well as on disintegration time and dissolution profiles were studied. Results showed that granules prepared with methylcellulose had lowest percentage of fines and friability. Chitosan tablets showed best dissolution profiles. The rank order correlation for binder efficiency was: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose > chitosan > methylcellulose > sodium carboxymethylcellulose.