EVALUATION OF OKRA GUM AS A DRY BINDER IN PARACETAM OL TABLET FORMULATIONS

Abstract

Okra gum has been evaluated as a binder in paraceta mol tablet formulations. Compressional properties of the formulations were analyzed using density measurements and the compression equations of Heckel and Kawakita as assessment parameters. The mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using the crushing strength a nd friability of the tablets. Disintegration times of the tablet formulations were assessed usin g the six station disintegration test apparatus. Formulations containing okra gum as a bi nder show a faster onset and higher amount of plastic deformation than those containing gelatin. The crushing strength and disintegration times of the tablets increased with increased binder concentration while their friability decreased. Although gelatin produced tab lets with higher crushing strength, okra gum produced tablets with longer disintegration times t han those containing gelatin. This study suggests that okra gum maybe a useful hydrophilic matrixing agent in sustained drug delivery devices.