Pharmaceutical Coatings and Tablet Types

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary advantage of film coating compared to sugar coating?

It improves the structural integrity of the tablet.

It requires a shorter time period for the coating operation. (correct)

It is more cost-effective.

It provides better taste masking.

What is the purpose of enteric coating on tablets?

To ensure disintegration occurs in the stomach.

To protect drug substances from gastric fluid. (correct)

To enhance the flavor of the medication.

To increase the tablet's shelf life.

Which type of tablet is created through repeated compression cycles to form multiple layers?

Controlled-Release Tablets

Enteric-Coated Tablets

Multiple Compressed Tablets (correct)

Press-Coated Tablets

What is a key benefit of press-coated tablets?

They can separate incompatible drug substances. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes controlled-release tablets?

Release of the drug slowly over an extended time period. Signup and view all the answers

Which granulation method is primarily used for producing granules that can melt into a liquid form?

Melt granulation method Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary uses of effervescent granules in pharmaceuticals?

Antacid formulation Signup and view all the answers

What does micromeritics study in pharmaceuticals?

Particle size and its effects Signup and view all the answers

How does particle size affect drug release from dosage forms?

Smaller particle sizes can enhance surface area and release rates. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an application of micromeritics in pharmaceuticals?

Chemical stability of reactive substances Signup and view all the answers

What property of powders can impact the consistency and quality of tablet manufacturing?

Powder flowability Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT commonly used for determining particle size?

Liquid chromatography Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Carr’s Index in powder characterization?

It assesses the flowability of powders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of sodium starch glycolate in tablet formulation?

To serve as a disintegrating agent Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves dividing the starch used as a disintegrant into two portions?

Intra-extra granular incorporation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the disintegration time of compressed tablets?

Flavouring agents Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue that can occur during the tableting process?

Capping Signup and view all the answers

Which type of colors and dyes is typically applied as dry powders?

Lakes Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of aspartame poses a challenge in tablet formulations?

Instability in moisture Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of lubricants in tablet preparation?

To prevent adhesion to manufacturing surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about flavour oils is TRUE?

They have better stability than water-soluble flavors. Signup and view all the answers

Which ingredient is commonly used as a disintegrant in tablet formulation?

Croscarmellose Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of adsorbents in tablet formulation?

To hold fluid in a dry state Signup and view all the answers

What concentration of talc is commonly used when it is the only lubricant in a formulation?

5% Signup and view all the answers

What happens when excessive amounts of lubricant are used in tablet formulation?

Poor disintegration and delayed dissolution Signup and view all the answers

Which property is vital for a binder used in direct-compression tablet preparation?

Free-flowing but also cohesive Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested percentage of starch to achieve normal disintegration time in tablets?

5% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is NOT typically classified as a disintegrant?

Magnesium stearate Signup and view all the answers

Which class of materials is known for having an affinity for water and promotes tablet disintegration?

Starch-based disintegrants Signup and view all the answers

What effect does uneven powder flow have on powder transfer?

Increases dust contamination risks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the flow properties of powders?

Temperature change during storage Signup and view all the answers

What defines a tablet according to the European Pharmacopoeia (EP)?

A compressed mass containing a single dose of one or more active substances Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes sugar-coated tablets (SCT)?

They have a sugar coating that may be coloured Signup and view all the answers

What type of tablet is characterized by having a thin layer of water-soluble material?

Film-coated tablets Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about compressed tablets (CT)?

They are formed by compression and contain no special coating Signup and view all the answers

What issue can arise from the separation of a small quantity of powder just before production?

Weight uniformity of the dose may be affected Signup and view all the answers

Which component is typically NOT included in the formulation of compressed tablets?

Liquid preservatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of mixing when trying to achieve a uniform product?

To promote a chemical reaction for uniform products Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mixture occurs when two immiscible liquids are mixed?

Negative mixture Signup and view all the answers

What happens to very small particles during the elutriation segregation process?

They are blown upwards and remain suspended in air Signup and view all the answers

In a positive mixture, what is the nature of the mixtures formed?

They mix easily and irreversibly Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of negative mixtures?

They require energy for effective mixing Signup and view all the answers

Why is mixing particularly important when formulating potent materials?

To combine them with bulking agents for better formulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the potential behavior of larger particles during trajectory segregation?

They tend to move greater distances than smaller particles Signup and view all the answers

What effect does stopping a mixer have on small particles in a dusting out scenario?

They settle to form a layer on coarser particles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pharmaceutical Powders

Pharmaceutical powders are solid dosage forms of medicament.
They contain one or more drugs in a finely divided state, potentially with excipients.
Powders can be crystalline or amorphous.
They are a type of solid dosage form distinct from granules, tablets, and capsules.
Powders have solid particles, all with a diameter less than 1000 µm.

Pharmaceutical Granules

Granules are powder agglomerates creating free-flowing particles, typically ranging from 4 to 10 mesh.
Granules are irregularly shaped, though they can be made spherical.
Granulation is useful as an intermediate in capsule and tablet preparation, allowing for smoother, more predictable flow compared to small powder particles.

Advantages of Powders and Granules

Easier to prescribe specific amounts for a physician.
Faster onset of action due to ease of dissolution in body fluids.
Easier to administer (orally).
Easy to carry.
More stable than liquid dosage forms.
Used internally and externally.

Disadvantages of Powders and Granules

Bitterness or unpleasant tastes are difficult to mask.
Some drugs causing nausea are difficult to administer.
Drugs affected by atmospheric conditions are not appropriate for powder form. These need special packaging.
Quantities less than 100mg are difficult to weigh accurately
Inaccurate dosing possible for bulk powders.
Inconvenient to carry, particularly in bulk form.

Pharmaceutical Applications of Powders and Granules

Raw materials for other solid dosage forms (e.g. tablets, capsules)
Granulation and Tablet production
Masking bitter tastes in capsules.
Treatment of local infections.
Treatment of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Counter-irritant, e.g. camphor starch dusting powder (used in infections)
Used in dyspepsia, e.g. rhubarb powder
Antimicrobial, e.g. chlorhexidine dusting powder
Anti-emetic/anti-pyretic, e.g. Dover's powder (containing ipecacuanha, opium)
Antacids/anti-flatulent, e.g. magnesium trisilicate powder
Antiseptics, e.g. dusting powders for microbial control
Used in cosmetics (e.g., face powders), treatment of skin burns, and baby rash protection.

Micromeritics

Study of small particles (e.g., powders).
Focuses on particle size, shape, and distribution.
Key characteristics: particle size (and range), shape, surface area, and related physical/chemical/pharmacological properties of drugs.
These are important for determining the drug's release from dosage forms, especially those taken orally, parenterally, rectally, and topically.

Relationship Between Angle of Repose, Carr's Index, Hausner Ratio and Powder Flowability

Data to determine powder flow characteristics.

Tablet Properties and Considerations for Manufacture

Tablets are small, compressed masses containing one or more medicinal agents.
They may be circular with flat or convex surfaces.
Tablets are made by either compression or molding.
Divided into categories dependent on the manufacturing method (e.g., compressed tablets, sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, enteric-coated tablets, multiple compressed tablets, and press-coated tablets).

Tablet Excipients

Inert materials that aid in the tablet's proper use.
Used for processing, compaction, and physical characteristics in the final product
Used to improve flowability, compressibility, and dissolution of the tablet. Types include diluents, binders, disintegrants, colors, flavours, etc.

Tablet Coating (processes, materials, equipment)

Coating involves applying a material to a tablet's surface to modify its properties (e.g., taste masking, protecting from degradation). Kinds of coatings exist, both by process (sugar coating, film coating, etc.) and by function (e.g., enteric coated tablets for targeting drug delivery to intestines).
Coating materials have characteristics for effectiveness, ease of processing, stability, and cost and include polymers, plasticizers, and solvents.
Coating machines vary in types (e.g., coating pans, spray coating equipment for film coating).

Capsules

Capsules are another dosage form for drugs, encapsulating medicinal agents within a small shell or container.
They can be made of gelatin or other comparable materials with varied shapes and sizes.
These are generally swallowed, used primarily for oral administration
Types include hard capsules (two-piece) and soft capsules (one-piece), which depend on the drug and/or desired form of adminstration.

Capsules: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:
- Easy to swallow.
- Can mask flavors and odors, improving palatability for patients.
- Easy to handle and carry.
- Suitable for drugs that are difficult to compress into tablets.
- Higher bioavailability relative to tablets.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive to produce than tablets and/or have an inability to withstand moisture or humidity.
- Shorter shelf life.
- Not suitable for all drugs (e.g., hygroscopic).
- Not suitable for all delivery methods (e.g., intravenous).

Capsule Manufacturing

Manufacturing steps for hard capsules (e.g., dipping, spinning, drying, stripping, trimming, joining, polishing). Specific machines can be used for processing.
Manufacturing steps for soft capsules (e.g., preparation of gel, encapsulation, drying, inspection & packaging). Specific machines can be used for processing materials.

Mixing

Mixing is the process of combining two or more substances to create a homogenous mixture.
It is widely used for creating a uniform product, promoting chemical reactions, dispersing solids into liquids, or combining immiscible liquids.

Homogenization

A process used to produce fine emulsions and suspensions by breaking down larger particles into smaller ones.
Processes include passing substances through high-pressure narrow orifices using homogenizers.

Drying (of materials)

Drying materials by removal of moisture (or other solvent) through evaporation to end in a solid state.
Reasons include removing moisture for stability, allowing for easier transportation or use, or as a final processing step.
Methods include freeze-drying (lyophilization), oven-drying or tray drying, and other specific types.

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Description

This quiz covers various aspects of pharmaceutical coatings, focusing on the advantages of film coating over sugar coating, the purpose of enteric coatings, and characteristics of different tablet types. Test your knowledge on press-coated and controlled-release tablets to better understand their manufacturing and functionality.