Orodispersible Tablets of Carbamazepine Prepared by Direct Compression Method Using 32 Full Factorial Design

Abstract

Orodispersible tablets of carbamazepine were prepared with a view to enhance patient compliance by
direct compression method using 3² full factorial design. Crospovidone (2-10% w/w) was used as superdisintegrant
and microcrystallinecellulose (0-30% w/w) was used as diluent, along with directly compressible mannitol to enhance
mouth feel. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, drug content uniformity, in vitro dispersion
time, wetting time and water absorption ratio. Based on in vitro dispersion time (approximately 10 s); the
formulation containing 2% w/w crospovidone and 30%w/w microcrystallinecellulose was found to be promising and
tested for in vitro drug release pattern (in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer), short-term stability (at 40º/75 % RH for 3 w) and
drug-excipient interaction. This formulation showed four-fold faster drug release (t25%) compared to the conventional
commercial tablet formulation. Short-term stability studies on the formulation indicated that there are no significant
changes in drug content and in vitro dispersion time (p < 0.05).