Powders & tablets 5

Question 1

Name the three steps of tablet formation

Answer 1

1. Filling
2. Compression
3. Ejection

Question 2

What are the effects of compression (step two)

Answer 2

The forces applied during compression effect:
1. The content (powder and granules)
2. The container
Effects on the content:
- Pores number decreases
- Pores sizes decrease
- Mechanical strength increases
- The tendency of it to disaggregate decreases

Question 3

Name different types of tablets

Answer 3

— uncoated tablets;
— coated tablets;
— effervescent tablets/soluble tablets;
— dispersible tablets;
— orodispersible tablets;
— gastro-resistant tablets;
— modified-release tablets;

Question 4

Name some common types of quality control test for tablets

Answer 4

• Appearance test
• Uniformity of content
• Uniformity of weight
• Disintegration
• Dissolution
• Friability
• Resistance to crushing (hardness test)

Question 5

What is the uniformity of content

Answer 5

• Aims to ensure the variation of API in each dose of your formulation is within the acceptable limits
• BP allows between 85% - 115%

Question 6

Name the four main characteristics of powders (API or bulk)

Answer 6

• Powder size
• Density
• Flowability
• Compactibility

Question 7

What is the uniformity of weight test

Answer 7

• Weigh individually 20 units taken at random for single dose preperation
• No more than 2 should deviate from the average mass

Question 8

What is the friability test

Answer 8

• Weigh appropriate number of tablets
• Put them through the test. Weigh again
• Record the difference in weight and calculate % loss
• BP states 1% loss is acceptable