Interpretation of dissolution rate data from in vitro testing of compressed tablets.

To find if theoretically and experimentally a relation existed between the dissolution rate theory of Kitazawa, Johno & others (1975) and that of Wagner (1969), a study was undertaken with uncoated caffeine, aspirin and proxyphylline tablets using two dissolution methods. Although the original treatment for surface area of drug available for dissolution was quite different between the two dissolution theories, the dissolution rate constants obtained were in fair agreement. Hence it might not be always necessary to take into consideration changes in the surface area as a function of dissolution rate, and the 1n W infinity/(W infinity) versus time plot devised by Kitazawa & others might be a useful and simple means of obtaining the dissolution rate constant of an active ingredient from a dosage form such as compressed tablet.