The Mechanical and In vitro Release Properties of Diazepam from Tablets Containing Fluid Bed Dried and Lyophilized Cocos nucifera Microcrystalline Cellulose

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical and in vitro release properties of diazepam from tablets containing fluid bed dried and lyophilized microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) obtained from the matured fruit husks of Cocos nucifera (CN).

Study Design: Method of experiment.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka from March 2015 to September, 2016

Methods: Dried CN fruit husks were digested in sodium hydroxide to obtain alpha (α) cellulose which on hydrolysis with mineral acid (Hydrochloric acid) solution gave CN-MCC. The dry MCC obtained by either fluid bed or lyophilized drying of the wet CN-MCC were coded MCCF-Cocos and MCCL-Cocos respectively. Both MCCs were used in the formulation of diazepam tablets at 20, 30 and 40% w/w. Avicel PH 102 (AVC-102), was used as comparing standard. The tablets were evaluated for physical and dissolution properties using standard methods.

Results: Results show the tablets passed the British Pharmacopoeia specifications for weight uniformity, crushing strength, disintegration time, friability and dissolution. Diazepam tablets containing MCCL-Cocos (coded DCL) were mechanically stronger than those containing MCCF-Cocos (coded DCF). Disintegration time was in the order of DCF > DCL tablets while friability was in the order of DCL < DCF tablets. Diazepam tablets containing AVC-102 (coded DAV) were mechanically stronger than DCL and DCF tablets. The dilution potential was in the order DAV > DCL > DCF. More than 80% of the diazepam content was released from DAV, DCL and DCF tablets.

Conclusion: Generally, DAV, DCL and DCF tablets met the British Pharmacopoeia limits for mechanical properties and in vitro drug release with DCL tablets showing significantly (P = .05) superior mechanical properties while DCF showed faster drug release.