We investigated the preparation of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) using furosemide (FU) as a model drug.Preparations were made from granules containing 2 correctives,maltitol (MA) and yogurt powder (YO),in various mixing ratios formed by the wet granulation method,and the taste of each one was evaluated.Though all of the FU preparations had an improved taste,the mixing ratio of MA did not affect the masking effect.It appeared that a sufficient masking effect could be obtained with mixing ratio of YO/MA/FU=0.5/0.5/1 by weight.
The taste masked FU tablets were prepared using the direct compression method,and microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel^® PH-30citation=2)and mannitol were added as excipients at a mixing ratio of 1/1 by weight.For all formulations,the hardness of tablets exceeded 4.5 kgf.The disintegration time and water absorption time increased as the proportions of YO and MA increased.Tablets made from granules with the mixing ratio YO/MA/FU=0.5/0.5/1 exhibited the greatest hardness (above 6.0 kgf),the shortest disintegration time (within 30 sec) and the shortest water absorption time (about 100 sec).Increasing the compression force had little effect on tablet hardness but increased the disintegration time,though it did not go over 60 sec,and also increased the water absorption time.
In conclusion,we found that well taste masked ODTs can be prepared with granules produced by the wet granulation method at a mixing ratio of YO/MA/FU=0.5/0.5/1 by weight.