FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF PARACETAMOL TABLETS BY WET GRANULATION METHOD

Dhayanithi G, Ruthrabharathi K, Vijayan S, Selvamuthukumar R, Saminathan C

The objective of this research work was to formulate and comprehensively evaluate paracetamol (acetaminophen) tablets utilizing the wet granulation methodology with varying binder concentrations. Tablets represent the most widely prescribed solid oral dosage form owing to their dosing accuracy, physical stability, and ease of manufacturing. In this study, starch paste was explored as a binder at three differing concentrations (1% w/w, 2% w/w, and 3% w/w for formulations F1, F2, and F3 respectively). Pure drug blend and granules were characterized via standard Preformulation assays including bulk/tapped density, Carr's index, Hausner ratio, and angle of repose. Post-compression metrics evaluated included weight variation, thickness, diameter, mechanical hardness, friability, disintegration profile, and in-vitro dissolution patterns. Results indicated that increasing binder concentrations significantly enhanced tablet hardness and restricted friability while concomitantly prolonging disintegration times. Formulation F1 (1% w/w starch paste) achieved a near-complete immediate-release profile with 99.9% dissolution efficacy within 90 minutes meeting all official compendial requirements.

Keywords – Paracetamol, Preformulation, Wet granulation, Disintegration and Dissolution