Agglomerated α-Lactose Monohydrate and Anhydrous β-Lactose in Direct Compression of Tablets

Tensile strength and disintegration time of tablets from aglomerated alpha-lactose monohydrate or anhydrous beta-lactose as well as the energy profile of compression (at 11 kN) were evaluated in dependence on the lubricant (Mg stearate) concentration and an addition of microcrystalline cellulose (25 %). No statistically significant differences were found between the corresponding values of tensile strength for tablets from both lactoses. Microcrystalline cellulose increased the strength, shortened the disintegration times and markedly decreased the differences in compression energies and plasticity of both types of tablets. Mg stearate prolonged the disintegration times and markedly decreased the tablet strength only in the presence of microcrystalline cellulose. The disintegration times were markedly longer for the tablets from anhydrous beta-lactose. The total energy of compression and plasticity were higher for aglomerated alpha-lactose monohydrate tablets.