INFLUENCE OF AGGLOMERATION OF COHESIVE PARTICLES ON THE DISSOLUTION BEHAVIOR OF FUROSEMIDE POWDER

The objective of this particular study was to describe a method whereb y the dissolution rate of a powder may be calculated from its mean wei ghted particle size distribution. This method was used to determine th e effect of particle size, powder agglomeration and methods used to di sperse powder agglomerates on dissolution behaviour. In particular, th e dissolution rates of agglomerates and dispersed particles of furosem ide powders with different particle size distributions were studied. P rovided the particle size distribution of the particles, or agglomerat es, in the dissolution medium was known, simulated dissolution profile s agreed with measured dissolution profiles. Results showed that micro fine furosemide powder with a mean volume particle size of 3 mu m was agglomerated to such an extent that the dissolution of this powder was never equal to that of single particles. Even strong, forceful method s such as interactive mixing and sonication in a surfactant solution d id not completely disperse this powder.