Development and In-Vitro Characterization of Sustained-Release Acetaminophen Tablets

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate powdered lipids as both granulating agents and retardants in formulated sustained-release acetaminophen tablets. Castor Wax or Durkee 07 powders were premixed with acetaminophen and granulated with boiling water. After cooling, the mass was screened to obtain a 10/20 mesh fraction which was used for tablet production and evaluation. Friability, hardness, dissolution and compression profiles were monitored. As lipid content increased from 5-15% w/w, friability and hardness also increased. Dissolution showed an inverse relationship between level of lipid and release rate. Compression profiles demonstrated good transmission when Castor Wax was employed. This study demonstrated that a high milligram potency tablet could be fabricated with low levels of lipid, to retard drug release, without significantly increasing tablet weight and size.