Optimization of a tablet containing chlorthalidone.

In pharmaceutical technological research, optimization studies generally deal with the search for the formulation that is as effective and as functional as possible. The effect of a formulation parameter (the amount of lactose in the composition of the tablets) and of a technological parameter (compression pressure) on four physical characteristics (tablet thickness, friability, hardness, and drug dissolution rate) of tablets containing the antihypertensive drug chlorthalidone were studied. The results obtained indicate that, in the development of a tablet formulation, it is possible to identify the most suitable formulation by applying a simple optimization method. The effect of the microclimatic stress (temperature and humidity) was also evaluated, and it was found that the optimized tablets were no longer within limits that had been established for them. This may indicate that it is opportune to keep the storage conditions of the excipients under control before their use.