Uptake of water into tablets with low-substituted carboxymethyl cellulose sodium as disintegrant

Abstract

Low-substituted carboxymethylcellulose sodium (Nymcel ZSB 10, ZSD 16) which differ in the degree of substitution were used as disintegrants in sulphanilamide tablets formulated with methylcellulose (MC) of varying viscosity as a binder. The disintegration time of tablets with ZSD 16 was much higher than that of tablets containing ZSB 10 due to the higher content of water-soluble substances in the former. Both in the presence and absence of MC the disintegration time increased with increasing concentration of either ZSB 10 or ZSD 16. Water uptake in tablets with MC and either of the two disintegrants followed the order: 1.25% > 5% > 2.5% Nymcel. The higher uptake at 5% disintegrant level did not however result in a lower disintegration time which was also found to decrease with an increase in the viscosity of MC. This was accompanied with increasing water uptake due to the higher hydration capacity of high viscosity MC. Both grades of low-substituted carboxymethylcellulose sodium were most effective when used in low concentrations. When observed microscopically ZSB 10 particles were found to swell more than those of ZSD 16. © 1989.