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Abstract

The objective of present study was to develop a co-processed diluent consisting of physically modified starch and dicalcium phosphate and to assess its suitability in direct compression. Native starch was exposed to nitric acid under controlled conditions. Dicalcium phosphate was incorporated in the neutralized aqueous starch dispersion to prepare co-processed excipient. The modification did not cause any detectable change in the shape and size although rupture was observed in few starch grains. The co-processed diluent was evaluated for particle size analysis, flowability and compressibility. Acetaminophen and glycyrrhiza glabra powder were chosen as poorly compressible model drugs. Nitric acid treatment resulted in formation of starch with high crystallinity. The modified starch and co-processed excipient showed acceptable angle of repose, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio and tapped density. The tablets showed acceptable crushing strength, disintegration and friability. Co-processed diluents exhibited improved flow and compressibility. Starch contributed to economy and disintegration while dicalcium phosphate contributed fragmentation propensity and insulation towards moisture.