Friday, December 19, 2014

Questions for practice of Assessment of Quality of Tablets and Capsules



1. What are the objectives of the tests for uniformity of diameter and uniformity of
content ?

The objective of the test for uniformity of diameter is to determine the diameter, thickness and hardness of the tablet. On the other hand, the objective of the test of uniformity of content is to standarlised the contents are within limits set with reference to the average content of the sample. So that the dose of the drugs are uniform.


2. State the types of tablets and capsules that must be tested for uniformity of diameter and uniformity of content.
For tablets                   : uncoated and coated, effervescent, enteric-coated and modified-release
For capsules                : hard, soft, enteric-coated, and modified-release


3. Give reasons for the non-compliance to test for uniformity of weight.
The uniformity of weight can be due to uneven feeding of granules into the die by hopper shoe due to uneven powder flow. Granules with poor flowability may affect the weight uniformity also. Besides that, powders may stick or adhere to the punch which will directly affects uniformity of tablets and capsules.


4. Why does dissolution test suitable to be used for batch to batch quality control?

The dissolution test is suitable to be used for batch to batch quality control as the dissolution instrument used consists of eight dissolution flasks. Seven tablets of the same kind and type but from different batches can be tested simultaneously. One of the dissolution flask contains only dissolution medium without any tested tablet. Here, the dissolution medium is used to replace the volume of aliquot withdrawn for analysis.


5. Explain the difference found in the procedure for dissolution test in the United States Pharmacopoeia and the British pharmacopoeia.

United States Pharmacopoeia
British Pharmacopoeia
Uses both rotating-basket method and paddle method.
Uses rotating-basket method, paddle method and flow-through cell method.
The flask used is cylindrical with spherical bottom, which is made of plastic or glass.
The flask used is cylindrical with flat bottom, which is made of glass.
In basket method, the basket position is 2.5±0.2cm from the bottom of the flask.
In basket method, the basket position is 2.0±0.2cm from the bottom of the flask.
The speed used is 25-150rmp ± 4%.
The speed used is 25-150rmp ± 5%.
In dissolution medium where water is not specified, addition of purified pepsin to acidic media or pancreatin for media at or above pH6.8.
Dissolution medium is 4g/L solution of NaOH is not deaerated prior to testing.
Consist of 3 stages, S1, S2 and S3. The test is continued through the 3 stages if the result cannot be comfirmed at either S1 or S2.
-If one fails this requirement, a further 6 may be tested individually and all must comply. No retesting is permitted.
To determine compliance in the dissolution requirements where stated in the individual monograph for a tablet or a capsule dosage form.
-To determine the dissolution rate of active ingredient of solid dosage forms.
Dissolution amount is Q. There is an Acceptance table. In this practical, it is not less than 75% in 30 minutes.
Dissolution amount not less than 70% of the prescribed at stated amount.




Experiment 5: Content of Ibuprofen (assay)

Title
Content of ibuprofen (assay)


Date of experiment
4th December 2014


Objective
To analyze the content of Ibuprofen in the tablet.


Introduction

A tablet does not consist solely of active ingredient but in fact it is a mixture of active ingredients and excipients, this is to avoid overdosing. Besides, excipients are also added to enhance the flow properties, disintegration, rate of dissolution or to be said that to increase the bioavailability. Content of active ingredient in certain oral dosage form, such as tablets and capsules, can be determined using the standard assays that are found in British Pharmacopoeia. 

Thus, a tablet with a weight of 500mg contains excipients such as diluents, disintegrant, binding agent, lubricant, glidant, adsorbents depend on what kind of dosage form and how the drug works. In this experiment, Ibuprofen tablet 400mg is used to test its content of active ingredient.


Materials
0.6g of Ibuprofen powder, chloroform, ethanol (96%), phenolphthalein solution, 0.1M sodium hydroxide.


Apparatus
100mL beaker, 250ml conical flask, filter paper, filter funnel, weighing machine, weighing boat, hair dryer, burette, 100mL measuring cylinder.


Procedures

1.      20 Ibuprofen tablets are selected at random and are weighed and crushed into powder form.
2.      Powder containing 0.5g of Ibuprofen is extracted by 20mL chloroform for around 15minutes and  it is filtered through a filter paper.
    
                    







3.      The residue is washed with 3 x 10mL chloroform and the filtrate is evaporated just to dryness in a current of air. The residue is then dissolved into 100mL of ethanol (96%) which is neutralized with phenolphthalein solution.

4.      The solution is titrated with 0.1M sodium hydroxide to end point with phenolphthalein solution as an indicator. The content of Ibuprofen is determined if each mL of 0.1M sodium hydroxide used is equivalent to 0.02063g C13H18O2.
        




Results

Titration:

                  Initial reading of 0.1M sodium hydroxide    = 25mL
                  Final reading of 0.1M sodium hydroxide     = 33.2mL
                  Volume of 0.1M sodium hydroxide used     = 8.2mL


Given that 1mL of 0.1M sodium hydroxide is equivalent to 0.02063g C13H18O2,
So, the weight of Ibuprofen in the tablet is 8.2 x 0.02063g = 0.1691g.

From the experiment, the percentage of Ibuprofen content is
= 0.1691g/0.5000g x 100%
= 33.82%



Discussion

   In order to formulate a successful dosage form, the tablets should contain 90% ~ 110% of the labelled Ibuprofen according to the standard stated in British Pharmacopoeia(B.P). Any value outside the range of the standard is considered as a failed formulation in the B.P test for content of active ingredient. This experiment is used to analyze the content of Ibuprofen in the tablet. From the results we obtained, it only contains 33.82%  of Ibuprofen if compared to the labeled products. This value is not in the range of the standard of B.P. Therefore, this formulation has failed the B.P test. The test is carried out to achieve the uniformity of content in tablet.

   The value that we get is not in compliance with the standard in B.P due to some errors occured throughout the experiment. First reason is that the filtrate did not evaporate to dryness or excess heat supplied that caused the degradation of Ibuprofen content. Secondly, parallax error may occur when taking the reading of burette during titration, in which the eye level of observer is not parallel to the level of meniscus. Thirdly, the burette tips may contain air bubbles. Lastly, the improper filtration of extract through the filter paper will contribute to an inaccurate result. Chloroform is a volatile liquid, hence some of it may evaporate, leading to the decrease in the amount of filtrate produced.


Conclusion

The content of Ibuprofen is 0.1691g. The tablets that we tested contain 33.82% of Ibuprofen which do not comply with the standard of B.P which is 90% ~ 110% of the content. Therefore, the tablets have failed the B.P test due to the inconsistent content of Ibuprofen in the tablets.



References





Experiment 4: Dosage Performance Tests

Title
Dosage performance tests

(A) Disintegration test for sugar-coated tablets

Objective
To test dosage performance of sugar-coated tablets by disintegration.


Date of Experiment
4th December 2014


Introduction

Disintegration is a process that will produce smaller fragments of drugs, which results in drug releasing process from tablets. Tablet disintegration testing is used as a quality-assurance measure. It is not a true predicter of how well the dosage form will release its active ingredient in vivo. The United States Pharmacopiea (USP) sets standards for tablet disintegration testing. The apparatus is relatively simple. It consists of a basket rack holding six plastic tubes open at the top and bottom. The bottom is covered with a 10 mesh screen. The rack is immersed in a suitable liquid at 37˚C. It moves up and down at a specified rate. One tablet is placed into each tube and the time to disintegrate and fall through the screen is noted. 

Disintegration is achieved when there is no tablet fragments remained on the screen. However, the coating fragment may remain. If any other residue remains, it may consist of a soft mass having no palpably firm, unmoisted core.


Apparatus
Spatula, disintegration apparatus.


Materials/chemical
Oralmet, Redon, Ettrocin, Mefa, Uphamol


Experimental Methods
1.      The disintegration apparatus is set up according to its operation manual.



2.      The medium for disintegration is water and the temperature is ensured at 37°+2°C.
3.      The time for this test is set to 60 minutes.
4.      The disintegration apparatus consists of 6 tubes, each tube is then introduced with a tablet using spatula.


5.      A disc is added into each tube to avoid the tablets to floating out from the tubes when it is raised and lowered down.
6.      The operation is started.
7.      After 60 minutes, the tablets is checked in each tube.
8.      Tablets comply with the test if all 6 tablets disintegrate in 60 minutes. The test is repeated using 6 new tablets but replacing the disintegration medium(water) with 0.1M hydrochloric acid if there is any tablet that does not disintegrate. Tablets comply with the test if all 6 tablets disintegrate in the acidic medium.




 (B) Dissolution test for tablets

Objective
To test the dosage performance of tablet by dissolution.


Introduction

Dissolution test is carried out using the specially designed apparatus according to the experimental parameters. Dissolution testing is the most important way to study the release of a drug from a solid dosage form under in vitro conditions. It will affect the bioavailability of a drug from a solid preparation. Like the disintegration test, the dissolution test does not prove that the dosage form will release the drug in vivo in a specific manner but it is one step closer to the absorption process. Again the USP sets standards for the dissolution but often those suggested procedures are modified by the manufacturer to meet the specific needs of the product. This test is most often performed on products that have known absorption problems or known poor solubility. It is also performed on sustained or delayed release products such as enteric coated products. 

This test requires the solution to be tested for concentration of active ingredient over the time. A dissolution profile is then constructed (Time vs Amount Dissolved) and this is compared to the reference compound or standard for the dosage form in being dissolved.


Apparatus
water bath, motor to regulate the basket speed, cylindrical vessel, basket at temperature of 37±0.5̊C


Materials
Ibuprofen tablet, buffer solution, dissolution medium


Procedures

1)      Each of the dissolution vessels is filled up with the buffer solution to 900ml mark. The temperature is set to 37̊ C.     
2)      The temperature of the dissolution medium is checked. It is ensured at    
      37±0.5̊C.
3)      One Ibuprofen tablet is placed into each dry basket assembly.
4)      The stirring speed is set to 150rpm. The basket assembly is lowered into position in the vessel and the operation is started.
5)      After 30 minutes, 10ml sample of the dissolution medium is withdrawn from each vessel for analysis and the solution is filtered by using suitable filter. Sampling should be done from a point half-way between the surface of the dissolution medium and the top of the rotating basket, and not less than 10mm from the wall of the vessel. The volume of aliquot withdrawn for analysis is replaced with an equal volume of same dissolution medium.
6)      A standard solution of ibuprofen is prepared by diluting 10.0mg of ibuprofen reference standard to 50ml with dissolution medium.
7)      2.0ml of sample solution and 2.0ml of standard solution to 25ml is diluted with dissolution medium in separate volumetric flask.
8)      The absorption of both solutions is measured in a 1cm cell at wavelength of 221nm.
9)      The percentage amount of ibuprofen dissolved is calculated using the following formula
At/As x W/100 x 2/25 x P x 900x 25/2 x 100/200
Where At  = absorbance of sample solution
            As = absorbance of the standard solution
            W = weight of ibuprofen reference standard used
            P  = purity of ibuprofen reference standard
      10) From the results obtained, the tablets are determined whether it comply with   
            the requirements of the United State Pharmacopoiea.
            USP limits: Not less than 75% of the stated amount of C13H1802 dissolved
            in 30 minutes



Results
(A) Disintegration test for sugar-coated tablets
All tablets are disintegrated after 60 minutes


(B) Dissolution test for tablets
Results
Solution of Ibuprofen
Absorption in 1cm cell at a wavelength of 221nm
Standard
0.758
Sample
0.481


Calculation
The percentage amount of ibuprofen dissolved can be calculated using the following formula:

At/As x W/50 x 2/25 x P x 900x 25/2 x 100/200

Where  At = absorbance of sample solution
As = absorbance of the standard solution
            W= weight of ibuprofen reference standard used
             P= purity of ibuprofen reference standard


After 30 minutes
The percentage amount of ibuprofen dissolved
0.481  x  10  x      x  0.98 x  900  x  25  x 100
    0.758      50       25                                2      200

=55.97%


Discussion
In order for a drug to be absorbed from a solid dosage form after oral administration, it must first dissolve in solution, followed by the break-up of the tablet; a process known as disintegration. The higher the rate of disintegration, the faster the drugs can be absorbed.

The disintegration test is a measure of the time required under a given set of conditions for a group of tablets to disintegrate into particles which will pass through a mesh screen. Generally, the test is used as a quality assurance tool for conventional dosage forms. Disintegration process is achieved when no tablet fragments remain on the screen. In this experiment, all tablets are disintegrated in the water after 60 minutes. The limitation of this test is that it does not mimic the condition of GIT. As such, there is no guarantee of clinical efficacy. It is not applicable to tablets that must comply with dissolution test.

Dissolution is the process by which a solid solute enters a solution. In pharmaceutical industry, it may be defined as the amount of drug substance that dissolves in solution per unit time under standardized conditions of liquid/solid interface, temperature and solvent composition.

Dissolution is one of the most important quality control tests performed on pharmaceutical dosage forms and is now used to predict bioavailability.  In some cases, it replaces clinical studies to determine bioequivalence. Dissolution behaviour of drugs has a significant effect on their pharmacological activity. Solid dosage forms may or may not disintegrate when they interact with gastrointestinal fluid following oral administration depending on their design.
           
According to USP limits, it must not less than 75% of the stated amount of C13H1802 dissolved in 30 minutes. From the results obtained, the amount of ibuprofen dissolved is less than 100%. The inaccuracy of results shows that the tablet does not pass the dissolution test. This may happen due to some errors that occur during experiment.


Conclusion
All the tablets are disintegrated in the disintegration test. The highly dissolved tablet will be absorbed faster in the body thus the bioavailability will be increased.


References
1. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11095-004-1184-4
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15783064
3. http://pharmatreasures.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-is-difference-between-dissolution.html

Experiment 3: Uniformity of weight of tablets and capsules

Title
Uniformity of weight of tablets and capsules


Objective
To study whether the uniformity of weight of tablets and capsules comply with the standard of British Pharmacopoeia or not.

Date of Experiment
4th December 2014


Introduction

Uniformity of weight of tablets and capsules is an important quality assessment to ensure that each of the tablet and capsule produced meets the requirement of pharmacopoeia standard and also manufacturing standard. Uniformity of weight test is not applicable to tablets and capsules required to comply with the test for uniformity of content. 

Uniformity of tablets and capsules ensure that patient will get accurate dose of drug in tablet or capsule form to prevent the toxic effect or getting no therapeutic effect. Therefore, uniformity test of weigh of tablets and capsules is carried out in manufacturing process to make sure those produced tablets and capsules fit the requirements.


Apparatus
Weighing balance, weighing boat

Materials
20 tablets, 20 capsules


Procedures

Tablets:
1)      20 tablets previously selected at random were weighed. The average weight was determined.



2)      The tablets were weighed individually and for each tablet, the percentage deviation of its weight from the average weight was determined.

3)      The deviation of individual weight from the average should not exceed the limits given below.


Average weight of tablet
Deviation (%)
Number of tablets
<80 mg
±10.0
±20.0
Minimum 18
Maximum 2
80-250 mg
±7.5
±15.0
Minimum 18
Maximum 2
>250 mg
±5.0
±10.0
Minimum 18
Maximum 2



Capsules:
1)      20 capsules were selected at random.



2)     One capsule was weighed. The capsule was opened and the contents were removed as completely as possible. The emptied shells were then weighed. The net weight of its content was determined by subtracting the weight of the shells from the weight of the intact capsule.


3)      The procedure was repeated with other 19 capsules.
4)      The average net weight was determined from the sum of the individual net weights.

5)   The percentage deviation from the average net weight for each capsule was determined. The deviation of individual net weight should not exceed the limits given below:

Average net weight of capsule
Deviation (%)
Number of capsules
<300 mg
±10.0
±20.0
Minimum 18
Maximum 2
≥300 mg
±7.5
±15.0
Minimum 18
Maximum 2



Results


20 Tablets:

Tablet
Individual weight(g)
Difference between individual weight and average weight (g)
Percentage of deviation(%)
1
0.6536
0.0037
0.56
2
0.6721
0.0148
2.25
3
0.6789
0.0036
3.29
4
0.6586
0.0013
0.20
5
0.6591
0.0018
0.27
6
0.6490
0.0083
1.26
7
0.6674
0.0101
1.54
8
0.6607
0.0034
0.52
9
0.6492
0.0081
1.23
10
0.6549
0.0024
0.37
11
0.6522
0.0051
0.78
12
0.6641
0.0068
1.03
13
0.6629
0.0056
0.85
14
0.6566
0.0007
0.11
15
0.6661
0.0088
1.34
16
0.6645
0.0072
1.10
17
0.6540
0.0033
0.50
18
0.6656
0.0083
1.26
19
0.6651
0.0078
1.19
20
0.6558
0.0015
0.23


i.                    Average weight =   13.146g  =  0.6573g
                                                  20

ii.                  Since the average weight  is 657.3mg which is more than 250mg, so the deviation                are ±5% and ±10% ,

a.                  % deviation ±5%    =  95% ≤ X ≤ 105%  = 624.44 mg ≤ X ≤ 690.17 mg
                                             

b.                 % deviation ±10%  =  90% ≤ X ≤ 110% = 591.57 mg ≤ X ≤ 723.03 mg
                                             
iii.                No tablets deviate from the weight so this product passed the uniformity of weight                 test.



 20 Capsules:

Capsules
Individual weight(g)
Difference between individual weight and average weight (g)
Percentage of deviation(%)
1
0.3944
0.0028
0.72
2
0.3951
0.0035
0.89
3
0.3869
0.0047
1.20
4
0.3873
0.0043
1.10
5
0.3934
0.0018
0.46
6
0.3797
0.0119
3.04
7
0.3951
0.0035
0.89
8
0.4005
0.0089
2.27
9
0.3759
0.0157
4.01
10
0.3922
0.0006
0.15
11
0.3956
0.0040
1.02
12
0.3972
0.0056
1.43
13
0.3972
0.0056
1.43
14
0.3859
0.0057
1.46
15
0.3829
0.0087
2.22
16
0.4018
0.0102
2.61
17
0.4016
0.0100
2.55
18
0.3802
0.0114
2.91
19
0.3926
0.0010
0.26
20
0.3960
0.0044
1.12

  
i.                    Average weight =   7.8315g  =  0.3916g
                                                  20

ii.                  Since the average weight  is 391.6mg which is more than 300mg, so the deviation                are ±7.5% and ±15.0% ,

a.                  % deviation ±7.5%    =  92.5% ≤ X ≤ 107.5%  = 362.23 mg ≤ X ≤ 420.97 mg
                                             

b.                 % deviation ±15.0%  =  85.0% ≤ X ≤ 115.0% = 332.86 mg ≤ X ≤ 450.34 mg
                                             

iii.                No capsules deviate from the weight so this product passed the uniformity of                          weight test.



Discussion

            According to the results obtained, the average weight of the tablet Ettroccin 250 is 0.6573g (657.3mg) which means the range of more than 250 mg is the suitable range chose from the table of the deviation limits. From the data obtained, it is found that all tablets follow the limits. This shows that all tablets tested in this experiment are uniform in the aspect of weight.

          The average weight of the NSAID capsules  is 0.3916 g (391.6 mg) which are more
 than 300mg. Therefore, the deviation limits follow the limits for the range of 300 mg or more. Thus, all capsules tested are also uniform in weight.

          The errors might arise when measuring the weight of these tablets and capsules. The poor powder flowability causes some powders might still get stuck inside the capsule shells. As the powders are not completely removed, the measurements of emptied shells are not accurate. Furthermore, errors might also due to the air flow or wind around the weighing balance to influence the reading of weighing balance. All these errors will lead to inaccuracies of measurement of weight.


Conclusion
The uniformity of weight of tablets and capsules test is useful in quality control during the production of tablets and capsules. In this experiment, it is found that all tablets and capsules used are uniform.


References
1. Florence E. Eichie, Ikhuoria M. Arhewoh and Oliver C. Ezeobi, 13 August 2009. In- vitro evaluation of the pharmaceutical quality of some ibuprofen tablets dispensed in Nigeria.

2. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Vol. 3 (10).