Effect of binders on sulfamethoxazole tablets

Five batches of sulfamethoxazole tablets were prepared using different binders starch, acacia, ethyl cellulose sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and povidone (1-vinyl-2-pyrolidinone polymer, PVP)] with water in 3% (dry basis) concentration. Comparative data show that granules prepared with PVP have the best flow properties and minimum angle of repose, percentage fines, and compressibility, while granules of sodium carboxymethylcellulose could not be compressed into well-defined tablets. Tablets containing starch as a binder possess all the quality features. Tablets from acacia, however, give a poor dissolution profile. Ethyl cellulose has less effective granule formation, leading to poor quality tablets. Rank correlation with respect to solubility and absorption characteristics according to granulating agent in the formation is: starch greater than ethyl cellulose greater than PVP greater than acacia.