Tableting characteristics of micro-aggregated egg albumin particles containing paracetamol.

The tableting characteristics of micro-aggregated egg albumin particles containing paracetamol were evaluated and compared with non-micro-encapsulated paracetamol and coagulated egg albumin particles. Mean yield pressure values of micro-aggregated egg albumin particles containing paracetamol and coagulated egg albumin particles were 30.5 and 49.3 MPa, respectively, which were lower than the mean yield pressure obtained for paracetamol (97.5 MPa). Paracetamol tablets obtained with micro-aggregated egg albumin particles did not show the capping characteristic of conventional paracetamol tablets. Crushing strength of paracetamol tablets obtained with egg micro-aggegated particles was similar to that obtained using paracetamol granulated with povidone and gelatin as binders at 3 and 6% (w/w) concentrations. Drug release from the paracetamol tablets depends on the choice of excipients. Crospovidone showed good protective characteristics for the tableting of micro-aggregated particles. Crushing strength of paracetamol tablets formed from egg albumin-coated particles could be increased using crospovidone or microcrystalline cellulose as fillers and was decreased by the use of magnesium stearate. Nevertheless, magnesium stearate was useful to decrease the ejection force.