Binder effectiveness for beads with high drug levels

Abstract Previous reports from these laboratories showed that microcrystalline cellulose (AvicelR MCC, PH-101) formulations with low and medium drug levels (10 and 50%) produced very uniform beads whereas formulations containing MCC with high drug levels (80%) were difficult to process without special treatment or required the incorporation of alternate excipients. In this study, several binders, at a 2% level, specifically: Carbomer (CarbopolR 934-P), Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC 7MF), Hydroxypropylcellulose (KlucelR HXF), Methylcellulose (MethocelR K-15). Povidone, USP (PVP K29-32) and Pregelatinized starch NF (Starch 1500R), were evaluated to determine whether they might impart advantages in processing and whether any differences in dissolution behavior would result. Spheres containing 80% anhydrous theophylline, the binders and MCC were manufactured by the extrusion/marumerization technique. In general, beads containing high drug levels produced with these binders are suitable for further processing (coating). Processing ease, bead shape, and bead hardness (friability) varied with the choice of binder. Beads with carbomer, hydroxypropylcellulose, and methylcellulose remained intact during dissolution testing; beads with starch, carboxymethylcellulose, PVP, and the control did not.