Page 44 - Pharmaceutics III_ 02-06-01304_Fall 2025_ Pharm D_Electronic book

Problem Cause Remedy

Weight variation Poor flow, segregation Improve flow, use glidant

Hardness variation Pressure fluctuation Adjust compression force

Capping/Lamination Air entrapment, over-compression Reduce speed, use wet granulation

Picking Adhesion to punch face Polish punches, add lubricant

Sticking Excess moisture or binder Dry properly, reduce binder

Double impression Free-rotating punches Tighten upper punch key

Tablet Tooling Terminology:
• Die: controls shape and size.
• Punches: upper and lower; form tablet faces.
• Head flat: portion contacting pressure rolls.
• Tip: part of punch forming tablet cavity.
• Barrel: guides punch alignment.
• Embossing: engraving on punch tips to identify product.

Tablet Shape and Design:
• Round (most common)
• Oval (easy to swallow)
• Capsule-shaped (caplets)
• Triangular, oblong, square (rare)

Factors affecting design:
1. Swallowability.
2. Identification and appearance.
3. Coating behavior.

Tablet Printing and Marking:
• Essential for identification, branding, and to prevent counterfeiting.
• Methods:
o Embossing/debossing (during compression).

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