Comparative study of some mechanical and release properties of paracetamol tablets formulated with cashew tree gum, povidone and gelatin as binders

Abstract

The mechanical and release properties of paracetamol tablets formulated with cashew gum (CAG), povidone (PVP) and gelatin (GEL) as binders were studied and compared. The parameters studied were tensile strength (TS), brittle fracture index (BFI), friability (F), disintegration time (DT) and percentage drug released (PDR). Results showed that the TS and BFI values of tablets formulated with CAG were the lowest at all binder concentrations. The friabilities of all formulations were within accepted limits (<1.0%). Disintegration times were longest for GEL formulated tablets and least for PVP formulated ones. At binder concentrations of 1.0 – 3.0% (w/w) CAG released the highest cumulative amount of drug in 30 min; from 4.0 – 5.0% (w/w) cumulative amount released became highest for PVP formulated tablets. GEL formulated tablets generally released the least amount. CAG gum therefore having imparted better BFI than PVP or GEL, and does not hinder drug release is strongly recommended as an alternative to the more expensive PVP or GEL for immediate release tablet formulations. Key words: Cashew gum, povidone, gelatin, binder, mechanical, release properties of paracetamol tablets.