EFFECT OF TABLET INTEGRITY ON THE DISSOLUTION RATE OF SUSTAINED-RELEASE PREPARATIONS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of tablet integ rity on the dissolution rate. The model drug used for this study was a spirin. A dissolution study was performed with three commercially-avai lable aspirin tablets (ZORprin(R), Bayer(R) 8-h aspirin and Bayer(R) a spirin), two of which were sustained-release tablets. For ZORprin(R), the average dissolution data indicated that the in vitro release rate of aspirin was consistent with the intended design of the sustained-re lease wax matrix tablets only when the tablets were intact. The split tablets showed a consistently higher release profile over time, with a 50% higher release at 6 h. However, the Bayer(R) 8-h aspirin and plai n aspirin tablet data showed that tablet integrity had no significant impact on the dissolution rate, because the intact and split tablets s howed similar drug release profiles over time. In conclusion, care sho uld be taken to administer sustained-release tablets, avoiding any bre aking or crushing of the tablets unless this is directed by the manufa cturer.