The compressibility and compactibility of different types of lactose.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate and quantify flow properties, compressibility, and compactibility of various pharmaceutical lactose powders found on the market today (DCL-11, DCL-21, M-200, Flowlac-100, and Tablettose 70, 80, and 100).

METHODS: Flow properties were estimated by measuring flow time, angle of repose, and the Hausner ratio. Particle rearrangement was studied using Kawakita's linear model. Compressibility was studied using two 'out-of-die' methods: (i) the Heckel model and (ii) a modified Walker model. Compactibility was quantified using two methods: (i) the tensile strength profile (Cp) and (ii) the compactibility factor (Pr). Statistical approach was used to analyze the results.

RESULTS: Flow properties of all materials were passable or better, except for M-200, which has very poor flowability. Compressibility results demonstrated that the most compressible lactose is spray-dried grade of lactose (Flowlac-100) and the least compressible is milled lactose (M-200). Compactibility studies showed that beta-lactose (DCL-21) forms tablets with superior tensile strength in comparison with alpha-lactose.

CONCLUSION: Results of the compressibility study showed that the discriminative power of modified Walker model is greater in comparison with Heckel model. Compactibility methods yield similar and comparable results.