The compressibility and compactibility of different types of lactose.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate and quantify flow properties, compressibility, and compactibility of various pharmaceutical lactose powders found on the market today (DCL-11, DCL-21, M-200, Flowlac-100, and Tablettose 70, 80, and 100).


METHODS
Flow properties were estimated by measuring flow time, angle of repose, and the Hausner ratio. Particle rearrangement was studied using Kawakita's linear model. Compressibility was studied using two 'out-of-die' methods: (i) the Heckel model and (ii) a modified Walker model. Compactibility was quantified using two methods: (i) the tensile strength profile (Cp) and (ii) the compactibility factor (Pr). Statistical approach was used to analyze the results.


RESULTS
Flow properties of all materials were passable or better, except for M-200, which has very poor flowability. Compressibility results demonstrated that the most compressible lactose is spray-dried grade of lactose (Flowlac-100) and the least compressible is milled lactose (M-200). Compactibility studies showed that beta-lactose (DCL-21) forms tablets with superior tensile strength in comparison with alpha-lactose.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of the compressibility study showed that the discriminative power of modified Walker model is greater in comparison with Heckel model. Compactibility methods yield similar and comparable results.
Ilić
Ilija
I
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Kása
Peter
P
Dreu
Rok
R
Pintye-Hódi
Klara
K
Srcic
Stane
S
D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D005079:Excipients / Q000737:chemistry*; D007785:Lactose / Q000737:chemistry*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011208:Powders; D013607:Tablets; D013718:Tensile Strength
D005079:Excipients; D011208:Powders; D013607:Tablets; D007785:Lactose