Compatibility Study Between Atenolol and Tablet Excipients Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Abstract

In order to improve the formulation of atenolol the physico-chemical compatibility between the drug and various excipients, commonly used in tablet manufacturing, was studied with the aid of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

Using this method, it was found that atenolol is compatible with starch, Sta-Rx®, Primojel®, Avicel PH®, Ac-Di-Sol®, cross-linked PVP, magnesium stearate, calcium sulphate dihydrate, dicalcium phosphate and icing sugar. Interactions of atenolol with PVP, lactose and the lubricant stearic acid were found, although it cannot be conlusively stated that interaction incompatibilities will occur during storage at room temperature.