A novel white film for pharmaceutical coating formed by interaction of calcium lactate pentahydrate with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

We have found that a white film forms on tablets when a coating solution consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) and calcium lactate pentahydrate (CLP) is used. The white film has also been found in casting film consisting of HPMC and CLP, and the surface state of coated tablets has been shown to be strongly affected by addition of PEG 6000. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of formation of this white film in order to derive an appropriate film prescription. Interaction among the base ingredients of the film was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The casting film formed with HPMC and a large excess of PEG 6000 was found to be crystalline in form. In contrast, the amorphous film consisting of HPMC, PEG 6000 and excess CLP exhibited the crystallinity film by an excess addition of CLP. Although the crystalline film had many cracks, the amorphous film appeared to be excellent as a tablet coating. The most probable interaction sites between HPMC and CLP were demonstrated by FT-IR analysis of casting films consisting of HPMC, CLP and PVP.