Process Investigation of a Novel Compaction Technique With Pellet-Containing Granules

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the preparing process on the properties of pellet-containing granules and tablets. Methods Coated pellets were granulated by centrifugal granulation, and the obtained pellet-containing granules were mixed with cushioning granules and compressed into tablets. Tablets were characterized for a drug release rate as compared with the original coated pellets. Results The surface roughness and the angle of repose of pellet-containing granules increased with the granulating ratio. Weight and drug content variations in tablets were diminished by granulation, and great improvement in tablet uniformity was achieved even for large pellets. Granulation showed protection for coated films under different compress forces and at even a low content of cushioning granules. Conclusions The uniformity of tablets prepared from pellet-containing granules could be significantly improved by the granulation process at a proper granulating ratio. The granulation process could protect the coated pellets during compaction even under high compression forces and with a low content of cushioning granules.