Glycerin fatty acid esters as a new lubricant of tablets

Lubrication properties were compared among glycerin fatty acid esters (Poem TR-FB® and Poem TR-HB®), magnesium stearate (Mg-St), and a sucrose fatty acid ester (RYOTO SUGAR ESTER S-370F®: SSE). Granules containing 50% acetaminophen were prepared, and improvements in their fluidity by the lubricants were compared. The lubricant effects of TR-FB and HB during tablet punching (pressure transmission ratio, ejection force) were similar to those of Mg-St and were better than those of SSE. When the lubricant content, mixing time, and tabletting pressure were changed, TR-FB® and TR-HB® provided better tablet hardness than Mg-St. TR-FB® and TR-HB® made tablets more disintegratable than Mg-St. When the effects of these lubricants on the stability of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) were compared, Mg-St promoted its hydrolysis, but TR-FB® or TR-HB® did not affect its stability.