Page 74 - Pharmaceutics III_ 02-06-01304_Fall 2025_ Pharm D_Electronic book

Component Examples Function

Polymer HPMC, EC, PVP, Eudragit Film formation

Plasticizer PEG, propylene glycol, triacetin Flexibility

Colorant Titanium dioxide, lakes Appearance

Solvent Water, ethanol, isopropanol Vehicle

Tablet Printing Equipment:
• Offset printing machines.
• Pad printing machines.
• Edible inks (FDA-approved).

Quality considerations:
• Ink should not migrate or fade.
• Printing must withstand handling.

Tablet and Capsule Defects – Root Cause Analysis:

Defect Possible Cause Preventive Action

Picking Excess binder Reduce binder

Capping Air entrapment Adjust moisture

Lamination Overcompression Reduce force

Weight variation Poor flow Add glidant

Friability high Low binder Increase binder

Slow dissolution Excess lubricant Minimize mixing time

Industrial Troubleshooting Guide:
1. Tablet too soft:
o Low binder, low compression force.
o Increase binder or pressure.
2. Tablet too hard:
o Excess binder or compression.

73