Direct compression

The simplest process for the production of tablets. 

Process

It consists of three main steps: powder blending, lubrication, and compression. Atomized lipid excipients are used as lubricants or modified-release agents in direct compression. 

Advantages of lipid excipients in direct compression

  • chemical inertness, preventing incompatibilities with other excipients or drugs 

  • batch-to-batch composition uniformity, ensuring high quality and performance of final product (adequate for QbD development) 

Range of functional excipients for direct compression

  • Compritol® 888 ATO—a well-established sustained-release agent with precedence of use and numerous publications demonstrating efficacy 

Compritol® 888 ATO: a must-have lubricant 

Sustain drug release with Compritol® 888 ATO

Related content

Excipients for modified release

Modified- or sustained-release matrices are designed to release a drug slowly over an extended period of time. Formulations must be robust to ensure drug release over time and avoid dose-dumping. Lipid-based matrices are water-insoluble and do not swell or erode when in contact with aqueous media. When used as sustained-release agents, they form an inert matrix from which the drug diffuses slowly.

Excipients for lubrication

During tablet and capsule production, lubricants are necessary to improve powder flow and reduce friction and adherence. Lubrication is a critical step since over- or underlubrication is responsible for many production and quality issues. Therefore, lubricant type, quantity, and conditions of use are critical parameters to take into account when developing a formulation.