Pharmaceutical applications of size reduced grades of surfactant co-processed microcrystalline cellulose

New grades of ultra-fine microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), without (grade X) or with variable percentage sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS: grades Y), were prepared by an ultrasonic homogenisation process from Avicel((R)) PH-101 (grade C), prior to recovery by spray-drying. Both new grade types were found to be inferior compared with grade C in a tableting application for paracetamol, resulting largely from poor flow of the feed material. However, both new grades proved superior to grade C in an aqueous extrusion/spheronisation application for the preparation of indomethacin pellets, producing smoother pellets in greater yield. Grade Y was particularly effective at delaying drug dissolution, due mainly to decreased porosity in the pellets formed and retardation of their break-up. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.