Thursday, 11 December 2014

PRACTICAL 3 : Experiment 1 - Uniformity of diameter, thickness and hardness

Procedure :

1.   10 tablets were selected and tests were carried out for uniformity of diameter, thickness and hardness using the Tablet Testing Instrument (PHARMATEST PTB 311).
2.   The deviation of individual unit from the mean diameter should not exceed ±5% for tablets with diameter of less than 12.5 and ±3% for diameter of 12.5 mm or more.


Results and Calculation :

Tablet
Diameter (mm)
Thickness (mm)
Hardness (N)
1
12.04
4.69
171.86
2
14.63
4.87
181.81
3
12.25
4.94
150.00
4
12.11
4.92
151.95
5
12.08
4.83
160.12
6
12.08
4.90
100.77
7
12.04
4.90
151.95
8
12.05
4.89
161.19
9
12.02
4.94
174.16
10
12.06
4.90
175.59

Average of diameter (mm) = 12.34
Average of thickness (mm) = 4.88
Average of hardness (N)     = 157.94
Deviation = (initial –average diameter) x 100%
                        Average diameter

Tablet 1:
Deviation = (12.04 – 12.34) x 100% = 2.43%
                             12.34

Tablet 2:
Deviation = (14.63 – 12.34) x 100% = 18.56%
                             12.34

Tablet 3:
Deviation = (12.25 – 12.34) x 100% = 0.73%
                            12.34
  
Tablet 4:
 Deviation = (12.11 – 12.34) x 100% = 1.86%
                             12.34

Tablet 5:
Deviation = (12.08 – 12.34) x 100% = 2.11%
                             12.34

Tablet 6:
Deviation = (12.08 – 12.34) x 100% = 2.11%
                             12.34

Tablet 7:
 Deviation = (12.04 – 12.34) x 100% = 2.43%
                             12.34

Tablet 8:
Deviation = (12.05 – 12.34) x 100% = 2.35%
                             12.34

Tablet 9:
Deviation = (12.02 – 12.34) x 100% = 2.59%
                             12.34

Tablet 10:
Deviation = (12.06 – 12.34) x 100% = 2.27%
                             12.34

Discussion :

The aim of this experiment is to determine the diameter, thickness and hardness of the tablets.  The uniformity in diameter involves in pharmacopoeial standards whereas thickness and hardness involve in non-pharmacopoeial standards. The diameter and shape of tablets depends on the die and punches selected for making the tablets. There are various in sizes and shapes of tablets which are prepared, but usually circular shape (flat or biconvex faces). From the results, the diameter for all ten tablets has such similar values and the average of the diameter of the tablets is 12.34 mm. it is important to produce tablets with similar or uniform diameter and size. The uniform size of tablets help to increase the patient compliance and avoid them from being confuse with different size of the tablets as they might think that the drugs or tablets have different amount of active ingredient. From the tolerances, we know that if the diameter of tablets is more than 12.5 mm, thus the deviation should be ± 3%. If the diameter of tablets is less than 12.5 mm, thus the deviation should be ±5%. From the results, we find that only tablet 2 has more than 12.55 mm. So, the deviation should be ±3%. The other 9 tablets are less than 12.5mm thus, the deviation is ±5%. The results for diameter are inaccurate.  This means that the tablets generally have no uniform diameter and size. The second aspect is the thickness. Which is an important quality control test for tablet packaging? Very thick tablet affects packaging either in blister or plastic container. From the result, we find that the mean of the thickness is 4.88 mm. It is generally the same as each of the individual tablet. So, it means that the tablets also have uniformity in the thickness.  The third one is hardness. The hardness aspect is important in order to predict the breaking point and structural integrity of a tablet under conditions of storage, transportation, and handling before usage. From the result, we find that the average of hardness of the tablets is 157.94N

Conclusion :

Thus, the value indicates that 157.94N forces are needed to break the tablets.



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