Aceclofenac fast dispersible tablet formulations: Effect of different concentration levels of Avicel PH102 on the compactional, mechanical and drug release characteristics

The objective of this study was based on the formulation development of fast dispersible Aceclofenac tablets (100 mg) and to evaluate the influence of pharmaceutical mixtures of directly compressible Avicel PH102 with Mannitol and Ac-di-sol on the compressional, mechanical characteristics and drug release properties. Fast dispersible Aceclofenac formulations were developed by central composite design (CCD). Among them the best possible formulation was selected on the basis of micromeritic properties, appropriate tablet weight and disintegration time for further study. Tablets were directly compressed using manual hydraulic press with a compressional force ranging from 7.2 to 77.2 MN/m(2). Pre and post compression studies were performed and the compressed formulations (FA-FF) 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 35.40 ± 6.93N, tensile strength 0.963 MN/m(2), and friability 0.68%. Furthermore, compressional analysis of FB showed lowest P(Y) value 59.520 MN/m(2) and P(k) value 1.040 MN/m(2) indicating plasticity of the material. Formulation FB disintegrated rapidly within 21 seconds and released 99.92% drug after 45 min in phosphate buffer pH 6.8. Results of drug release kinetics showed that all formulations followed Weibull and First-order models in three different dissolution media. Avicel PH102 based formulation mixture exhibit excellent compactional strength with rapid disintegration and quick drug release.