Evaluation of Dikamali as a Tablet Binder in Zidovudine Tablets

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the gum, Dikamali, as a tablet binder employing zidovudine as a model drug. Zidovudine tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique using Dikamali as a tablet binder. The Dikamali was used in wet form and dry form. Granules were evaluated for pre-compression parameters: tapped density, bulk density, compressibility index, hausner ratio, and angle of repose. All the parameters were found to be within the acceptable limits. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, disintegration, content uniformity, and dissolution. For the formulations F1-F3D; F1-F3W; F4-F7 (see Table 1) the parameters of friability, disintegration time, and hardness were measured and their values range from 0.57-0.73% (w/w), 0.83-0.97% (w/w), 0.69-0.99% (w/w); 12-13 min, 10-12 min, 10-12 min; and 5-6.9 kg/cm2, 4.5-5.1 kg/cm2, 4.1- 5.2 kg/cm2; respectively. The binding efficacy of Dikamali was compared with the standard binders, starch mucilage and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, using dissolution studies. The binders, Dikamali and starch, were compared at similar concentrations [2.5% (w/v), 5% (w/v), and 7.5% (w/v)], and the finalized formulation (F1D) was compared with a 10% (w/v) concentration of starch mucilage and a 10% (w/v) concentration of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Dikamali [2.5% (w/v)] in dry form (i.e. F1D) showed the same percent drug release as that of the 10% (w/v) of starch mucilage and of polyvinyl pyrrolidone. In conclusion, Dikamali could well be used as a binding agent in the formulation of tablet dosage forms, and Dikamali is more effective in dry form than the wet form.