Effect of compressional force on tablets containing cellulosic disintegrators I: Dimensionless disintegration values.

Spray-dried lactose tablets containing cellulosic disintegrators or microcrystalline cellulose were compressed at different compressional forces. USP disintegration times were measured as a function of pH and compressional force. Two dimensionless quantities were derived from the experimentally determined disintegration times, and their utility in the study of tablet formulations was demonstrated. These dimensionless quantities were used to assess the effect of compressional force and pH on disintegration behavior as well as to compare disintegrator efficiency. Two internally cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose disintegrators were found to be the most efficient; their efficiency increased with increasing compressional force at all pH values.