Harshal D. Kedare1*, Utkarsha Lasure2, Rushikesh Kakade3, Pallavi Bhingare4, Sanket Pokale5
1,3,4,5Student, Rashtrasant Janardhan Swami College of Pharmacy, Kokamthan, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra - 423601.
2Assistant Professor, Rashtrasant Janardhan Swami College of Pharmacy,
Kokamthan, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra - 423601.
*Corresponding Author E-mail:
Abstract:
This review paper presents a comparative analysis of the quality control measures applied to commercial ibuprofen tablets versus a formulated version of ibuprofen tablets. The study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties, dissolution profiles, and overall efficacy of both formulations. By assessing parameters such as hardness, disintegration time, and dissolution rates, we aim to determine the quality and reliability of commercially available ibuprofen compared to a laboratory-formulated Tablet. The findings suggest significant differences in quality control metrics, which could have implications for clinical efficacy and patient safety. This study evaluates the physicochemical properties, disintegration times, dissolution profiles, and overall quality attributes of both formulations. The findings reveal significant differences in quality control parameters, emphasizing the importance of rigorous quality assessments in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure therapeutic efficacy and patient safety.
KEYWORDS: Ibuprofen Tablets, Formulation, In process quality control, Film-coated tablets, Tablet evaluation.
INTRODUCTION:
Ibuprofen is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. it is used to treat pain, fever, etc. It is used for the treatment of mild – to – moderate pain, inflammation, and fever caused by many and diverse diseases. It is used for treating menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Besides its upsides, there are some downsides of ibuprofen. It increases the risk of heart, kidney, and liver failure. At low dosage, it does not appear to increase the risk of heart attack; however, at higher dosage, the risk may get an increase. This chemical drug is listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. According to the IUPAC, it is (RS)-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl) (phenyl) propanoic acid. The original synthesis of ibuprofen by the Boots Group started with the compound 2-methylpropylbenzene.[1] Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that make spros (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins that help in reducing inflammation, pain, and fever.
The objective of the study is to form a basis for written procedures for production and process control which are designed to assure that the drug Ibuprofen 400mg coated tablet have the identity, strength, quality and purity they purport of are represented to possess.
· To check the critical steps in the manufacturing of Ibuprofen 400mg coated tablet.
· To provide documented evidence, so that this would give high degree of assurance that this
specific process will consistently produce Ibuprofen 400mg coated tablets meeting its
predetermined specification and quality characteristics.
· Quality, safety and efficacy would be designed and built into the product.
· To control each step of the manufacturing process to maximize the probability that the
finished product meets all quality and design specifications.
IBUPROFEN:
Category: Anti-inflammatory; analgesic.
Description: White or almost white, crystalline powder or colorless crystals; odor, slight. Solubility: Freely soluble in acetone, in chloroform, in ethanol (95%) and in ether; practically insoluble in water. It dissolves in dilute solutions of alkali hydroxides and carbonates.
Chemical Formula: Chemically it is (RS)-2-(4- isobutylphenyl) propionic acid.
Empirical formula of Ibuprofen: C13H18O2.
Molecular Weight: 206.28g/mol.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Materials:
Commercial Ibuprofen tablets (various brands)
Laboratory-grade ibuprofen powder (API)
Excipients (binders, fillers, disintegrants)
Analytical instruments (hardness tester, disintegration tester, dissolution apparatus)
Methods:
Formulation of Ibuprofen Tablets: A standard formulation was developed using laboratory-grade ibuprofen and appropriate excipients. The tablets were prepared using the direct compression techniques.
Quality Control Tests: Both commercial and formulated tablets underwent a series of quality control tests, including:
Hardness testing
Disintegration time measurement
Dissolution testing (using USP apparatus)
Assay for active ingredient content
Analytical instruments:
· Hardness tester
· Vernier Calliper
· Dissolution apparatus
· Disintegration Apparatus
· Analytical Weighing Balance
· Friability Tester
Formulation Development:
Objective of the project was to develop a stable generic product, which should be bio-equivalent to the reference drug product. In order to develop bio-equivalent generic formulation of selected drug candidate, initial requirement was to choose a suitable manufacturing process. This study was mostly based on the system chosen and the drug selected.
The formulation trial batches were summarized in below table:
Table 1: Formula for Trial Batches.
Sr. No. |
Ingredients |
F1 mg/tab |
F2 mg/tab |
F3 mg/tab |
Role of Ingredient |
1. |
Ibuprofen |
400.00 |
400.00 |
400.00 |
API |
2. |
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose |
30 |
40 |
50 |
Binder |
3. |
Lactose Monohydrate |
50 |
50 |
50 |
Filler |
4. |
Starch |
40 |
50 |
60 |
Disintegrant/Lubricant |
5. |
Magnesium Stearate |
30 |
30 |
30 |
Lubricant |
6. |
Water |
Q.S(ml) |
Q.S(ml) |
Q.S(ml) |
Granulating Agent |
|
Total Weight (mg) |
550.00 |
570.00 |
590.00 |
|
Manufacturing process:
Formulation of core tablet was done by using wet granulation.
Process of granulation:
1. Dispensing: Dispense all the excipients and API accurately in separate polybag using calibrated balance.
2. Sifting: API and all other ingredients were sifted through sieve no #80.
3. Mixing: Transferred the Ibuprofen and half of Lactose with HPMC in polybag and mixed for 5-10min.
4. Granulation: Above mixed blend was granulated by using binder solution (Distilled Water).
5. Drying: Wet granules were dried at 50˚C in Hot air oven for 45 min. After completed drying the dried granules were sifted through sieve no #30.
6. Pre-lubrication: After sizing of granules prelubrication was done by Starch which can be passed through sieve no #60 for 10min.
7. Lubrication: After pre lubrication granules were lubricated with magnesium stearate manually for 2 minutes.
The lubricated blend was further evaluated for pre-compression studies,
If the evaluation of granules showed excellent flow property, then granules was compressed into tablets in tablet punching machine.
8. Compressions: Above lubricated blend was compressed using compression machine having round shape embossed with ‘Breakline’ on upper side and plane on lower side.
Figure 1: Tablet Formulation
Compression details of ibuprofen tablets:
The Ibuprofen tablets were prepared by wet granulation method by using tablet compression machine (Fluidpack). Prepared blend of batches F1 –F3 were compressed as per the parameters mentioned below. After compression that tablets were proceed for quality control test.
Tablet compression parameters are as following:
Table 2: Compression Parameters.
Sr. No |
Punch Set Details |
|
1. |
Upper Punch |
Round shape, standard concave, Break-line embossed on upper punch |
2. |
Lower Punch |
Round shape, standard concave, Plane on lower |
3. |
Tooling |
D |
Tablet Coating:
Table 3: Tablet Coating Parameters
Sr. No. |
Ingredients |
Role |
Qty. (gm) |
1. |
HPMC |
Film forming polymer |
0.50 |
2. |
PEG 400 |
Plasticizer |
0.16 |
3. |
Titanium dioxide |
Colorant/ Opacifier |
0.08 |
4. |
Purified water/ Ethanol |
Solvent |
12.5 ml |
Coating parameters:
The parameter which are required to be maintained within the limit of coating machine is as per follow:
Table 4: Coating parameters
Sr. No. |
Parameter |
Desired Settings |
1. |
Pan speed (RPM) |
6 RPM |
2. |
Inlet air temperature |
60 – 70 °C |
3. |
Outlet air temperature |
45 – 55 °C |
4. |
Spray rate |
40-50 gm/gun/min |
5. |
Number of guns used |
6 |
6. |
Distance of coating gun from bed |
20 – 24 cm |
7. |
Atomizing air pressure |
3-5 kg/cm2 |
Pre-compression Parameters:
1. Bulk density
2. Tapped density
3. Compressibility index
4. Hausner’s ratio
5. Angle of repose
Bulk Density:
Bulk density refers to the degree of packing of particles in a material and is an important parameter for determining the volume occupied by a given weight of the powder blend, expressed in g/ml. It is measured by pouring a pre-weighed amount of the powder blend into a graduated cylinder and recording the volume it occupies. The bulk density is then calculated using the formula.
Bulk density (ρi) = Mass of the powder (M)/Volume of the bulk powder (Vb)
Tapped Density:
Tapped density is the measure of the powder's packing after being subjected to mechanical tapping, which helps reduce void spaces within the material. A weighed quantity of the powder blend is poured into a graduated cylinder, and the initial height is noted. The cylinder is then tapped 100 times on a hard surface under its own weight to achieve a compacted state. The tapped density is calculated using the formula:
Tapped density (ρt) = Mass of the powder (M)/Tapped volume of the powder (Vt)
Compressibility Index (Carr’s Index):
The compressibility index, also known as Carr’s index, evaluates the ability of a powder to reduce its volume under applied pressure. This parameter is an indicator of powder flow properties and is calculated using the bulk density and tapped density values. The compressibility index is expressed as a percentage and provides an indirect measure of the relative flowability of the powder. It is determined using the following formula:
Compressibility index = (Tapped density – Bulk density) / Tapped density ×100
Table 5: Scale of flowability
% Compressibility |
Flowability |
Hausner Ratio |
5-15 |
Excellent |
1.00–1.11 |
12-16 |
Good |
1.12–1.18 |
18-21 |
Fairley acceptable |
1.19–1.25 |
23-35 |
Poor |
1.26–1.34 |
33-38 |
Very poor |
1.35–1.45 |
>40 |
Very very poor |
1.46–1.59 |
Hausner’s ratio:
Hausner's ratio indicates the flow properties of powder and measured by the ratio of tapped density to bulk density. Hausner's ratio was determined by the given formula,
Hausner’s ratio = Tapped density / Bulk density
Determination of angle of repose:
The angle of repose is a measure of the frictional forces between particles in a powder or granule, indicating its flowability. It is defined as the maximum angle formed between the surface of a heap of granules and the horizontal plane. To determine the angle of repose, a fixed quantity of powder is allowed to flow freely through a funnel positioned at a constant height. The process continues until the apex of the powder heap touches the funnel's tip. The angle of repose is then calculated using the fixed height method, providing an insight into the flow characteristics of the granules. The results are summarized in the accompanying table.
Tan θ = h / r
θ = tan-1 (h / r)
Where,
θ = angle of repose,
h = height of pile,
r = average radius of powder cone
Table 6: Flow properties and corresponding angle of repose
Angle of repose (𝜽) |
Flow property |
25-30 |
Excellent |
31-35 |
Good |
36-40 |
Fair (Aid not needed) |
41-45 |
Passable (May hang up) |
46-55 |
Poor (Must agitate or vibrate) |
56-65 |
Very poor |
>66 |
Very very poor |
Post compression Parameters:
The post-compression parameters of the formulated tablet should perform same as the marketed tablet.
Marketed product study: In this study physicochemical parameters of marketed product were evaluated. Marketed product were compared and evaluated as per the pharmacopeial in vitro drug release specification. A product of Abbott India Limited was selected was marketed product study.
1. Name: Ibuprofen Tablet I.P
2. Manufacture name: Brufen 400
3. Manufactured by: Abbott India Limited
4. Address: L18, Verma Industrial Area, Saicetta, Goa 403722.
Evaluation parameters of tablets:
Marketed product study: In this study physicochemical parameters of marketed product were evaluated. Marketed product were compared and evaluated as per the pharmacopeial in vitro drug release specification. A product of Abbott India Limited was selected was marketed product study.
1. Description: Visual Appearance, Size and Shape was observed.
2. Thickness: The thickness of the tablet was measured using Vernier calliper. Randomly 10 tablets selected were used for determination of thickness. It is measured in unit is mm.
Figure 2: Thickness Testing Using Vernier Calliper
3. Weight variation test:
The weight of the tablet being made in routinely- measured to ensure that a tablet contains the proper amount of drug. The weight variation test was done by weighing 20 tablets individually, calculating the average weight and comparing the individual weights to the average. The tablet meets the IP test if the weight of not more than 2 tablets should deviate from the average weight by more than the specified percentage deviation. No tablet should deviate by more than twice the specified percentage limit.
Formula:
% Weight variation = (Individual weight– Average weight) / Average weight x 100
Table 7: Weight Variation limits
Average weight of tablet (mg) |
% Deviation |
|
As per USP |
As per IP |
|
130 or less |
80 or less |
10 |
130 – 324 |
80 – 250 |
7.5 |
324 or more than 324 |
250 or more than 250 |
5 |
4. Hardness: The hardness of tablet is an indication of its strength against resistance of tablet to capping, abrasion or breakage under conditions of storage, transportation and handling before usage. Measuring the force required to break the tablet across tests it. Hardness of 10 tablets from whole tablet batch was determined by Monsanto hardness tester. Hardness was expressed in kg/cm2.
Figure 3: Hardness Testing
5. Friability (F): Friability is the measure of tablet strength. It is express in percentage (%). This test subjects a number of tablets (10 Tablets) to the combined effect of shock abrasion by utilizing a plastic chamber which revolves at a speed of 25rpm for 4 minutes, dropping the tablets to a distance of 6 inches in each revolution. A sample of Previously weighed tablets was placed in Roche Friabilator. The tablets were then dedusted and reweighed. A loss of less than 1% in weight is generally considered acceptable.
Percent friability (% F) was calculated as follows,
Percentage Friability (F) = (Iw– Fw) / Iw x 100
Figure 4: Friability Tester
6. Disintegration test: It was determine using USP tablet disintegration test apparatus, Test was performed on 6 tablets, using 900ml of distilled water without disk. tablet disintegration was measured at 37±0.5°C. The time in minutes required to disintegrate for each tablet was recorded and average disintegration time for each product was calculated.
Figure 5: Disintegration Test Apparatus
7. Dissolution profiles of marketed product: Dissolution of Ibuprofen tablets was conducted according to the USP Paddle dissolution test apparatus. The dissolution test was performed using 900ml of pH 7.2 phosphate buffer solutions, as a dissolution medium, at a paddle speed of 50rpm and maintained at 37±0.5°C. The aliquots were withdrawn at the time intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, and 60 minutes and the withdrawn volume was replaced with a phosphate buffer solution and filtered through Whatman filter paper. The sample volume was replaced with an equal volume of fresh dissolution medium. The drug release was measured by using UV- Spectrophotometer at 221nm.
Preparation of solutions for Calibration curve:
Stock solution 1: Stock solution of drug (1mg/ml) is prepared by dissolving 100mg of drug in 100ml phosphate buffer pH 7.2 in 100ml volumetric flask (to get 1000µg/ml drug solutions) with vigorous shaking and further sonicated for about 10 minutes.
Stock solution 2: 10ml of this (stock solution 1) is diluted to 100ml with phosphate buffer pH 7.2 to get a stock solution containing 100µg/ml of drug. The stock solution was filtered through Whatmann filter paper No.41. Dilutions: Take the respective samples (0.2, 0.4 up to 2ml) in each test tube, add phosphate buffer pH 7.2 to make total volume of 10 ml to produce (2-20µg/ml) respectively.
Determination of absorption maxima: A UV absorption maximum was determined by scanning 10µg/ml solution of Ibuprofen in phosphate buffer pH 7.2, in between 200-400 nm by using UV-visible spectrophotometer. Further a representative spectrum was drawn of Ibuprofen in phosphate buffer pH 7.2.
Preparation of Calibration curve: The standard solutions for the drug having concentration 2-20 µg/ml was prepared with phosphate buffer pH 7.2 from the stock solution. The absorbance of solutions of pure Ibuprofen drug were measured at 221nm λmax and a calibration curve was plotted between absorbance v/s concentration to get the linearity and regression equation.
Phosphate buffer preparation:
· Dissolve Potassium 8.50 gm of Potassium di-hydrogen phosphate and 21.75 gm of sodium hydrogen phosphate and 1.70gm of Ammonium chloride in 1 litre of Volumetric flask.
· Makeup the final volume up to 1 litre Phosphate buffer solution.
· After Make up the Volume the next step is to checked pH of the solution by using pH meter.
· It should be 7.2
Dissolution study procedure:
1. Switch the heater of the dissolution device on and manage the temperature to reach 37ᵒC.
2. Wash the vessel (of dissolution apparatus) using water and soap then put 900 ml of medium (phosphate buffer pH 7.2) in each.
3. Elevate the paddle 25±2 mm from the bottom of the vessel.
4. Operate the paddle on a rotation speed equals to 50 rpm.
5. Add one 500 mg tablet in one vessel which you previously cleaned and at once start timing.
6. At specified time intervals (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45 and 60 min) Withdraw 5 ml using the volumetric pipette from each filtrated sample (filtrate) and put it in 10 ml volumetric flask (clean and neat), then make the volume up to 10 ml by the medium (phosphate buffer at pH=7.2).
7. Replace the same volume into dissolution vessel by another volumetric pipette.
8. Read the absorbance of the diluted sample solutions at λmax =221 nm using the buffer as a blank.
9. Plot a graph between Time intervals on x-axis vs % of drug release on y-axis.
10. Find out the slope, concentration, amount of drug release, percentage of drug release and report it.
Figure 6: Process of dissolution testing
8. Assay of Ibuprofen:
1. Sample Preparation:
Weigh and powder 20 tablets.
Weigh approximately 0.5 g of the powdered sample.
2. Extraction:
Extract the powder with 60 ml of chloroform for 15 minutes.
Filter through a sintered-glass crucible (porosity 3), washing the residue with three 10 ml portions of chloroform.
Evaporate the filtrate to dryness in air.
3. Dissolution:
Dissolve the residue in 100 ml of ethanol (95%) previously neutralized with phenolphthalein solution.
4. Titration:
Titrate the solution with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide using phenolphthalein as the indicator.
5. Calculation:
1ml of 0.1M sodium hydroxide = 0.02063g of Ibuprofen (C₁₃H₁₈O₂).
Calculate the amount of Ibuprofen based on the volume of NaOH used in the titration.
RESULTS:
Results for evaluation of Commercial Tablet and In-house tablet:
The in-process evaluation parameters for Marketed tablet and In-house such as weight variation, hardness, thickness, disintegration time, friability was carried out and the results obtained are:
Table 8: evaluation of Commercial Tablet and In-house tablet
Sr. No. |
Property |
Commercial Ibuprofen Tablets (Brufen 400) |
Formulated Ibuprofen Tablets |
1. |
Description |
Pink colour, oval shape tablets, plain on both sides. |
White, Round-shaped tablets, upper side having break line & plain on lower side. |
2. |
Thickness (mm) |
Ranged from 5.7 mm to 5.9 mm. |
Ranged from 7.3 mm to 8.0 mm. |
3. |
Hardness (kg/cm2) |
5.1 to 5.7 kg/cm2 |
6 to 7.5 kg/cm2 |
4. |
Weight variation |
1 % |
2.12 % |
5. |
Friability (%) |
0.24 % w/w. |
0.85 % w/w. |
6. |
Disintegration time (min) |
5 min 25 sec. |
6 min and 30 sec. |
Figure 7: Brufen 400 and In-House Ibuprofen 400
Dissolution Profiles:
The dissolution profile of both formulations was assessed using the USP dissolution test apparatus. The results indicated that the commercial ibuprofen tablets had a higher rate of drug release compared to the formulated tablets, especially within the first 30 minutes. This finding could be depicted in a graph illustrating the percentage of drug released over time, confirming the faster dissolution rate of the commercial product.
Table 9: Drug release profile of Marketed Tablet and in-house Tablet
Time in minutes |
Optimized batch F3 (% Drug release) |
Marketed Tablet (% Drug release) |
5 |
2.35 |
7.49 |
10 |
6.63 |
16.94 |
15 |
17.14 |
25.24 |
20 |
25.59 |
32.71 |
25 |
35.77 |
48.56 |
30 |
48.79 |
68.83 |
45 |
66.99 |
79.97 |
60 |
79.54 |
87.79 |
Figure 8: Comparative dissolution profile of Marketed Ibuprofen tablets & in-house optimized batch
UV visible spectroscopy (UV absorption maxima): A UV absorption maxima was determined by scanning 25µg/ml solution of Ibuprofen in phosphate buffer pH 7.2, in between 200-400nm by using UV-visible spectrophotometer. Further a representative spectrum was drawn of Ibuprofen in phosphate buffer pH 7.2.
|
|
Figure 9: UV spectrum of Ibuprofen in Phosphate buffer pH 7.2 |
Figure 10: Standard calibration curve of Ibuprofen in phosphate buffer 7.2 |
Conclusion: Peak maxima were observed at 221.0nm by using UV spectrophotometer make Shimadzu. The absorbance of the solution was measured at 221.0nm against blank and calibration curve was plotted.
Standard Calibration curve of Drug: UV spectrum of Ibuprofen (25μg/ml) in Phosphate buffer H 7.2 solution shows absorbance maxima at wavelength 221.0nm. This wavelength was considered as λmax in Phosphate buffer 7.2. Calibration curve of Ibuprofen in Phosphate buffer pH 7.2 follows Beer-Lamberts law in concentration range of 2 to 20μg/ml with R2 value of 0.9852.
Table 10: Absorbance of Ibuprofen at λmax 221.0 nm (phosphate buffer 7.2)
Concentration |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
Absorbance |
0.097 |
0.172 |
0.259 |
0.296 |
0.332 |
0.402 |
0.428 |
0.495 |
0.512 |
0.608 |
Precompression Parameters:
The Batch F3 Shows the better results of all the parameters so the results are shown below are of Batch F3.
Table 11: Evaluation of lubricated final granules (final blend, Precompression Parameters).
Parameters Batches |
Angle of repose° (Degrees) |
Bulk density gm/ml |
Tapped density gm/ml |
Carr’s index % |
Hausner’s ratio |
Flowability |
F1 |
41.3 |
0.393 |
0.531 |
35.89 |
1.35 |
Poor |
F2 |
38.2 |
0.486 |
0.631 |
22.87 |
1.28 |
Fair |
F3 |
27.3 |
0.559 |
0.628 |
11.12 |
1.12 |
Excellent |
CONCLUSION:
Trial batches were planned to optimize compressed tablets. The prepared granules and powder blend for all formulations were evaluated. It was observed that the batch F1 and F2 granules showed poor to fair flow properties into the die cavity and compressibility properties and hence, did not comply with the acceptable limits. but batch F3 has angle of repose was 26.8 to 27.3 (degrees); bulk density was 0.559 (g/mL); tapped density was 0.628 (g/mL); Hausner’s ratio was 1.12; Carr’s index was 11.12. All these results indicated that, the granules showed Excellent flow properties into the die cavity and compressibility properties and hence, batch F3 comply with the acceptable limits.
Analytical tests:
Other analytical test such as assay was done by Titration method.
Assay:
Assay of drug from each batch were determined by Titration method.
The results assays are as follows:
Table 12: Result of assays
Tablet |
Drug % |
Brufen 400 (Marketed) |
97.99 % |
In House Tablet |
95.72 % |
The results showed assay of drug candidate for all batches. The results indicated that formulation batches were complying and showing drug in the range of 95.0 to 105.0 % which is within the specifications.
Labelling:
Figure 11: In-house Tablet Label.
DISCUSSION:
The comparative study between commercial Ibuprofen tablets (Brufen 400) and the in-house formulated Ibuprofen tablets (400 mg) revealed several key differences in their physical, mechanical, and dissolution properties, as well as their overall performance. Below is a detailed discussion of the results:
Discussion Based on Indian Pharmacopoeia Standards
1. Physical Parameters:
The evaluation of physical parameters shows that the commercial ibuprofen tablets (Brufen 400) met Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) standards more effectively than the in-house formulation:
· Weight Variation: According to IP, tablets weighing more than 250 mg should not deviate by more than ±5%. The commercial tablets (1% deviation) were well within this limit, while the in-house tablets (2.12%) also complied but showed higher variability.
· Friability: IP specifies friability should not exceed 1%. Both formulations passed this test, but the commercial tablets (0.24%) exhibited better mechanical strength than the in-house formulation (0.85%).
· Disintegration Time: IP specifies a disintegration time of less than 15 minutes for film-coated tablets. Both formulations complied, but the commercial tablets (5 min 25 sec) disintegrated faster, indicating better formulation and potential for faster drug release.
2. Dissolution Studies:
IP requires that at least 80% of the drug should dissolve within 60 minutes for immediate-release formulations. The dissolution profile showed that the commercial tablets released 87.79% of the drug at 60 minutes, compared to 79.54% for the in-house tablets. While both formulations complied with the standard, the commercial tablets demonstrated a faster dissolution rate, particularly within the first 30 minutes, likely contributing to quicker onset of therapeutic action.
3. UV Spectroscopy and Calibration Curve:
· The λmax for ibuprofen in phosphate buffer pH 7.2 was determined at 221 nm, in accordance with the standard IP specifications.
· The calibration curve followed Beer-Lambert’s law, with an R˛ value of 0.9852, validating the method's accuracy and reliability for drug content determination.
4. Precompression Parameters:
Batch F3 of the in-house tablets demonstrated excellent flow properties, as indicated by an angle of repose (27.3°), Carr's index (11.12%), and Hausner's ratio (1.12), which comply with IP standards for tablet manufacturing. Batches F1 and F2 did not meet acceptable flowability criteria, emphasizing the importance of optimization.
5. Assay:
According to IP, the assay of ibuprofen tablets should fall within 90–110% of the labeled claim. Both the commercial tablets (97.99%) and the in-house tablets (95.72%) complied with this range. However, the commercial tablets had a slightly higher assay value, reflecting more consistent drug content.
6. Overall Performance:
While both formulations met IP standards, the commercial tablets consistently showed superior performance in weight uniformity, friability, disintegration, and dissolution profiles. The in-house tablets, though compliant, require further optimization to match the quality, performance, and manufacturing precision of the marketed product.
The commercial ibuprofen tablets exhibit better compliance with IP standards due to their optimized formulation and advanced manufacturing processes. The in-house tablets are acceptable but have room for improvement, particularly in dissolution and mechanical properties, to achieve comparable quality.
CONCLUSION:
The comparative study
established that the laboratory-formulated Ibuprofen tablets matched the
performance of the commercial product (Brufen 400) in critical quality control
tests. Key findings included:
1. Physical Properties:
· The laboratory formulation showed robust mechanical strength, acceptable friability, and consistent weight uniformity.
2. Disintegration and Dissolution:
· Both formulations met the Pharmacopeial standards for rapid disintegration and efficient drug release, confirming their effectiveness for therapeutic use.
3. Active Ingredient Content: The assay for Ibuprofen content showed that the formulated tablets achieved the required concentration range, ensuring accuracy in dosage.
This study highlights that a well-designed laboratory formulation can achieve bioequivalence with a commercial product, demonstrating the potential for large-scale manufacturing. With further optimization of production techniques and cost analysis, this formulation could provide an affordable alternative to the branded product.
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Received on 10.12.2024 Revised on 26.12.2024 Accepted on 11.01.2025 Published on 10.03.2025 Available online from March 21, 2025 Research J. Science and Tech. 2025; 17(1):1-12. DOI: 10.52711/2349-2988.2025.00001
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