Friability is when a tablet has the tendency to chip, crumble or break during transportation. This can happen when the tablet is being handled, packaged or transported and may mean the patient receives an incorrect dose.
This is an add on test for our compaction studies.
Tablets are subjected mechanical shocks during handling, packaging, and transportation. The stress put on the tablets can lead to chipping to weak edges and in extremes, breaking or capping. So, it is important that the tablet has been formulated to be able to withstand this stress. It is also important that loose powder does not erode from the tablets, which could cause a handling hazard.
A weak tablet could be due to a number of factors, including poor tablet design, low moisture content, insufficient binder and over-lubrication.
To investigate the durability of a tablet, we use the Copley Friability Tester Model FRV 1000 with a single drum, which has been designed in accordance with the specifications that are in the Eur. Ph. Chapter 2.9.7 and USP Chapter <1216>.
At Merlin, we use the development setting to test the durability of prototype tablets, to see whether they will chip or break. This information can be helpful for early development tablet formulations.
Tablet friability testing involves weighing the sample of tablets and then placing them into a rotating drum. The drum is then rotated 100 times. The sample is then reweighed to find the % weight loss.
Are you looking for bespoke testing to better suit your testing requirements, to understand the characteristics of your material? If so, please either click here for more information.
Or you can call us on +44(0)1384 900 265
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