Formulation development and optimization of Ibuprofen tablets by direct compression method.

Ibuprofen is widely used as a prescription and non-prescription medicine. The aim of study is to prepare Ibuprofen tablets (200mg) using direct compression technique which is now days considered a cost effective and simple method of manufacturing. It is considered as an appropriate method for hygroscopic and thermolabile substances. In order to obtain the best, optimized product, nine different formulations were developed. Diluent (X1), disintegrant (X2) and lubricant (X3) were taken as independent variables. Weight variation (Y1), thickness (Y2), length and width (Y3), hardness (Y4), friability (Y5), disintegration (Y6), dissolution (Y7) and pharmaceutical assay (Y8) were studied as response variables. The results of all nine formulations were found within the acceptable limits conforming to those given in official compendia. However, F-6 was selected as an optimized product on the basis of high dissolution (99.05%) and Assay (100.04%). The variation of weight among the tablets of F-6 was least which showed best ratio of excipients in the formulation. Optimization has proven as an effective tool in product development. This is because no clear relationship exists between the variables.