Evaluation of the functional equivalence of crospovidone NF from different sources. I. Physical characterization.

In the past two decades, three categories of newer disintegrants have come into widespread use. These substances are a synthetic polymer (crospovidone), chemically modified starch (sodium starch glycolate) and cellulose (croscarmellose sodium). Multiple suppliers are now available for each category. Current NF monographs do not provide tests which reflect on their functionality and one cannot assume reliable performance of disintegrants from different sources meeting NF standards. The objective of this study was to identify differences in physical properties thought to be related to functionality among crospovidones from multiple sources. Physical properties examined included particle size and distribution, surface area, porosity and surface morphology. Disintegration and dissolution were performed on a model tablet formulation using either an insoluble or a soluble filler. Substantial differences in particle size and distribution, surface area, porosity and surface morphology were observed which correlated with differences in disintegration time and dissolution rate of the model drug from an insoluble tablet core. None of the differences in physical properties resulted in any differences in the disintegration or dissolution of the model drug from a soluble tablet core.