PRACTICAL 3 : Experiment 2 - Tablet friability

Experimental method :

      1.      10 tablets were selected and weighed.

     2.      All tablets were put into the drum of the tablet abration and friability tester.The rate of rotation was set to 100 rpm,time to 10 minutes and the operation was started.

      3.      All tablets were removed at the end of operation and was ensured from dust or powder (use of the brush).The tablets were reweighed.The percentage loss of weight was determined.

Result :

Name of tablets: Non steroidalanti inflammatory (Ibuprofen)

Weight before:  5.8834 g

Weight after: 5.8393g

Calculations:

5.8834g -5.8393g = 0.0441  g

0.0041g/5.8834 g x 100% = 0.7510

                                           = 0.7 %

Discussion:

          The aim of this experiment is to determine the mechanical strength of tablet through friability test. Friability is the tendency for a tablet to chip, crumble or break following compression. It can be caused by a number of factors including poor tablet design (too sharp edges), low moisture content, insufficient binder and others.Friability test is influenced by internal factors like the moisture content of tablet granules and finished tablets. Moisture at low and acceptable level acts as a binder. The commonly used friabilator in laboratories is the Roche friabilator.The instrument is operated for 100 revolutions after which the tablets are dusted and reweighed.Conventional compressed tablets that lose less than 0.5% to 1% of weight are considered acceptable.Friability is also affected by various external and internal factors like punches that are in poor condition or worn at their surface edges, resulting in 'whiskering' at the tablet edge and show higher than normal friability values.Most effervescent tablets and some chewable tablets undergo high friability weight loss which is an indication for the special stack packing that is required for these types of tablets.In case of hygroscopic tablets a humidity-controlled environment (relative humidity less than 40%) is required for testing.Tablets prone to capping during the test are considered unfit for commercial use.

Conclusion :

As a conclusion, the weight loss of non steroidalanti inflammatory (Ibuprofen) is 0.75% which is acceptable.The tablets has desired physical strength to overcome the mechanical shock during handling and packaging.The capsules or tablets produced should give the best therapeutic effect and least side effect.

References :

http://www.pharmainfo.net/friability-test

http://www.pharmacopeia.cn/v29240/usp29nf24s0_c1216.html