Aceclofenac Fast Dispersible Tablet Formulations: Effect of different concentration levels of Avicel PH102 on the compactional, mechanical and drug release characteristics

Objective of this study was based on the formulation development of fast dispersible Aceclofenac tablets (100mg) and to evaluate the influence of pharmaceutical mixtures of directly compressible Avicel PH102 with Mannitol and Acdisol on the compressional, mechanical characteristics and drug release properties. Fifteen different aceclofenac formulations were developed by central composite rotatable design (CCRD). Among them best possible formulations (FA-FH) were selected on the basis of micromeritic properties, appropriate tablet weight and disintegration time for further study. Tablets were compressed by direct compression method using hand held hydraulic press with a compressional force ranging from 8 to 80 MN/m2 (MPa). Pre and post compression studies were performed and the compressed formulations (FA-FH) were assessed for different quality tests. The Heckel and Kawakita equations were applied for determination of compressional behavior of formulations. The quality attributes suggested that formulation (FB) containing avicel PH 102 (20%), mannitol (25%) and ac-di-sol (3%) as best optimized formulation showing better mechanical strength i.e. hardness 37.75 {+/-} 0.14N, tensile strength 5.67MN/m2 and friability 0.34%. Furthermore, compressional analysis of FB showed lowest PY value 59.52 MN/m2 and Pk value 1.040 MN/m indicating plasticity of the material. Formulation FB disintegrated rapidly within 21 seconds and released 99.92 % drug after 45min in phosphate buffer pH 6.8. Results of drug release kinetics showed that formulations FA-FH followed Weibull and First-order models in three different dissolution media. Avicel based formulation mixture exhibit excellent compactional strength with rapid disintegration and drug release.