Effect of binder type and binder level on the properties of agglomerates containing lactose and dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate

This study evaluated six binders: the traditional binders hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), guar gum, acacia, and polyethylene glycol (PEG); colloidal silicon dioxide, which has been reported to increase the hardness of the tablets; and starch, which exhibits both binding and disintegrant properties when it is incorporated either as a paste or dry before granulation with other agents. Wet granulation was used because of its simplicity. Various binders were screened for their effect on agglomerates of lactose and dibasic calcium phosphate diydrate. Each binder shows marked effect on various aspects of the agglomerate. If HPMC, starch, and silicon dioxide enhance the flow properties, acacia has a negative effect on these properties. PEG increases the crushing strength of blank tablets. Guar gum increased the hardness of tablets containing acetaminophen. Combination of binders for agglomeration of lactose and dibasic calcium phosphate to yield a directly compressible product with desirable attributes could be isolated using the 23 factorial design.