Microcrystalline Cellulose 102 also exhibits excellent properties as an excipient for solid dosage forms. It compacts well, has high binding capability and creates tablets that are hard, stable, yet disintegrate rapidly. The main difference between MCC101 and MCC102 is in the size and shape of the particles within each compound. MCC102 has larger particles which are more round and dense. It is not as fluffy and light as MCC101, allowing for better flow and compression of the product than MCC101. MCC102 has proven to be stable, safe and physiologically inert.
Magnesium stearate is a white, water-insoluble powder. It has many applications, which utilize its softness, insolubility and low toxicity in many solvents. It is used as a releasing agent and as a component or lubricant (preventing ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment) in the production of pharmaceuticals (ex. pressing tablets) and cosmetics. Magnesium stearate can also be used efficiently in dry coating processes in tablet production and to bind sugar in hard candies like mints, and is a common ingredient in baby formulas.
Copovidone is used as a binder, hardener, a film-former, and as part of a proprietary blend used in controlled-release formulations of tablets and other products. In tableting, copovidone can be used as a binder for direct compression of tablets, increasing their hardness and as a binder in wet granulation of tablets. Copovidone is often added to coating solutions as a film-forming agent. It provides good adhesion, elasticity, and hardness, and can be used as a moisture barrier.
Croscarmellose Sodium is a white fibrous, free-flowing powder, and is used commonly as an FDA-approved disintegrant in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Disintegrants facilitate the breakup of a tablet in the intestinal tract after oral administration. Cross-linking allows enhanced bioavailability of the product through superior dissolution. Without a disintegrant the product may not dissolve properly, thereby affecting the amount of active ingredient absorbed, hence decreasing its effectiveness.
Precipitated silica is a form of silica produced by precipitation. This glidant is a precipitated silica that fills in any irregularities in the other particles of your formulation. This creates a smooth surface that:
1. Prevents adhesion between particles of different ingredients.
2. Prevents formula from sticking to punch face.
3. Turns sliding friction into rolling friction, letting particles glide past each other for better fluidity. Better flow means more consistent die fill and less variation in tablet weight.
