Abstract

Traditional tablet filler combinations, lactose-maize starch was replaced with a new dextrinized maize starch-maize starch filler combination. Dextrinization process under controlled conditions was targeted for this purpose and specifications were determined for the dextrinized product. Granules were prepared by wet granulation method using the new filler combination. Placebo tablets T1 were first prepared with lactose-maize starch filler combination as a model. Based on the properties of resulting tablets, lactose was replaced with dextrinized maize starch, introduced a different binder and the active ingredient furosemide anticipating a tablet of acceptable quality. The flow properties of dextrinized maize starch had improved over maize starch with an angle of repose of 40°. Hausner Ratio and Carr's Index of dextrinized maize starch and lactose were found to be 1.34, 1.54, and 25.45, 35.24 %, respectively favorable to the former. The placebo tablets (T2) prepared with the new filler combination using 12.0 % w/w maize starch binder resulted in unacceptable hardness and friability. However, furosemide tablets (T3) prepared with the new filler combination and the binder solution of low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose 3.2 % w/w showed excellent physical properties. The study shows that dextrinized maize starch and maize starch filler combination without lactose could be employed successfully in tablet manufacture.