Tablet disintegration and drug dissolution in viscous media: Paracetamol IR tablets

An investigation into the influence of viscous media on tablet disintegration and drug dissolution was performed with the aim to simulate the potential formulation-specific food effect for a selected highly soluble model drug. Literature data on the in vivo drug absorption in fasted and fed state have been evaluated for in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) purposes. In vitro studies were conducted in simple buffer media with or without addition of HPMC K4M as a viscosity enhancing agent. Good IVIVC correlation (r > 0.95) was obtained for paracetamol dissolution in viscous media at 50 rpm and fed state absorption profiles, while in vitro dissolution in simple media at lower stirring speed was predictable of drug products in vivo behaviour in the fasted state. The data obtained support the existing idea that relatively simple dissolution media and/or set of experimental conditions may be used to differentiate formulation-specific food–drug interactions. Such tests would be a useful tool in the development of formulations that would not be susceptible to the influence of co-administered meal and, furthermore, facilitate regulatory decision on the necessity to conduct food effect studies in vivo.