Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate and optimize compression process variables of Esomeprazole (Multiunit particulate system) MUPS tablet. Materials and methods: A three-factor, two-level, full factorial design was used to investigate the influence process variables Viz. Main compression force, Pre-compression force and Turret speed. Responses studied were Weight variation, Hardness, Thickness, Friability, Content uniformity, Drug release in 0.1N HCl at 120min and drug release in pH 6.5 simulated intestinal fluid at 15 min. Results and discussion: Main compression force and the Pre-compression force had a significant influence on hardness, thickness, drug release in 0.1N HCl at 120min and drug release in pH 6.5 SIF at 15min. Higher compression force leads to breakage of pellets during compression which showed impact drug release at acid stage. Turret speed had significant impact on final weight variation and content uniformity. The optimized process parameters Main compression force: 11.33 kP, Pre-compression force: 2.72 Kp and Turret speed: 23.56 rpm showed desired physical characteristics and drug release in 0.1N HCl which will result in lesser degradation of API at acid stage. Conclusion: It is concluded that Compression process variables in preparation of Esomeprazole MUPS were successfully evaluated using Design of Experiment approach. Keywords: process variables, Esomeprazole, Multiunit particulate system

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