Roll compaction as a dry granulation method for paracetamol

Paracetamol was selected as a model drug and roll compaction was examined in an attempt to improve the undesirable physical characteristics of paracetamol. Furthermore, the impact of tableting speed was investigated with respect to the tablet tensile strength and capping tendency. The results showed that roll compaction could successfully correct the poor flowability of paracetamol-containing powder blend. Roll pressure and roll speed during roll compaction had particularly significant effects on the granule and tablet properties. Tablet tensile strength was decreased but it was still in an acceptable range. No significant change was observed in compressibility, compactibility and drug release pattern. No polymorphic change occurred. The material showed the lower speed dependency in tableting after roll compaction. There was no considerable difference in capping tendency between starting powder and roll-compacted granules.