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Achieving excellence in the fields of education, scientific research, and community service, and promote the university to the level the prestigious universities locally, regionally and globally.
Contributing to building and developing the knowledge community by creating university environment and community partnership that stimulate creativity as well as freedom of thought and expression. Also, keeping abreast of technological developments in the field of education, thus providing the society with the qualified human resources that can meet the needs of the labor market.
The University is committed to consolidating the following fundamental values: 1. Social and moral commitment. 2. Sense of belonging. 3. Justice and equality. 4. Creativity. 5. Quality and Excellence. 6. Transparency and accountability. 7. Responsible freedom. 8.Futurity.
Prof. Shadi F. Gharibeh Doctorate / Full Professor
Download Curriculum Vitae (CV)
B.Sc. in pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, 1995. Graduated with an excellent average, GPA = 86%
involved the use of a multi-station tableting machine. In addition, solubility and dissolution profiles of these salts were characterized.
At the University of Iowa, for l semester as Teaching Assistant for Quantitative Research Methods of Analysis Lab for graduate students. This lab is designed for teaching the students how to run experiments on different instruments. Ten different methods of analysis were discussed in this lab.
Recent Research Publications 1- Antimicrobial activity of common mouthwash solutions on multidrug-resistance bacterial biofilms MM Masadeh, SF Gharaibeh, KH Alzoubi, SI Al-Azzam, WM Obeidat Journal of Clinical Medicine Research Download × Antimicrobial activity of common mouthwash solutions on multidrug-resistance bacterial biofilms Background Periodontal bacteria occur in both planktonic and biofilm forms. While poor oral hygiene leads to accumulation of bacteria, reducing these microbes is the first step toward good oral hygiene. This is usually achieved through the use of mouthwash solutions. However, the exact antibacterial activity of mouthwash solution, especially when bacteria form biofilms, is yet to be determined. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of common mouthwash solutions against standard bacteria in their planktonic and biofilm states. Methods Standard bacterial strains were cultured, and biofilm were formrd. Thereafter, using standard method for determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values of various mouthwash solutions were determined. Results Results show that common mouthwash solutions have variable antibacterial activity depending on their major active components. Only mouthwash solutions containing chlorohexidine gluconate or cetylpyridinum chloride exhibited activity against majority, but not all tested bacterial strains in their biofilm state. Additionally, bacteria are generally less susceptible to all mouthwash solutions in their biofilm as compared to planktonic state. Conclusions While mouthwash solutions have variable antibacterial activity, bacteria in their biofilm state pose a challenge to dental hygiene/care where bacteria become not susceptible to majority of available mouthwash solutions. MM Masadeh, SF Gharaibeh, KH Alzoubi, SI Al-Azzam, WM Obeidat Journal: 2- Effect of Strength and Porosity of Tablets on the Magnitudes of Subdivision Forces SF Gharaibeh, L Tahaineh Pharmaceutical Development and Technology Download × Effect of Strength and Porosity of Tablets on the Magnitudes of Subdivision Forces In this study, a hardness tester was modified by attaching a metal blade to its testing area to obtain the minimum forces required to subdivide tablets along their diameters (F’). Moreover, the tensile strengths of subdividing tablets (TS’) were calculated. Tablets of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) weighing 0.5 g were produced at applied compression pressures of 21, 31, 41, 50, and 60 MPa. In addition, tablets of Ludipress®, and a 5:2 mixture of paracetamol to MCC weighing 0.7 g were produced at applied compression pressures of 77, 116, 154, 193, and 232 MPa. It was found that F’ increased as the applied compression pressure used to produce the tablets increased until a maximum value was reached. This maximum value was at around 100 N for MCC and Ludipress® tablets and at around 76 N for paracetamol/MCC tablets. Moreover, a maximum value of TS’ was reached at a porosity of 0.37 for MCC, 0.15 for Ludipress®, and 0.11 for paracetamol/MCC tablets. The maximum TS’ values were at around 1.5 MPa for MCC and Ludipress® tablets and at around 0.9 MPa for paracetamol/MCC tablets. Therefore, both inter particulate bonding (tablet strength) and porosity (packing) affected the magnitudes of F’ and TS’. SF Gharaibeh, L Tahaineh Journal: 3- The Influence of Drugs Solubilities and Chitosan-TPP Formulation Parameters on the Mean Hydrodynamic Diameters and Drugs Entrapment Efficiencies into Chitosan-TPP Nanoparticles Wasfy M Obeidat, Shadi F Gharaibeh, Abdolelah Jaradat AAPS PharmSciTech Download × The Influence of Drugs Solubilities and Chitosan-TPP Formulation Parameters on the Mean Hydrodynamic Diameters and Drugs Entrapment Efficiencies into Chitosan-TPP Nanoparticles Chitosan is a natural, biocompatible polymer. The aim of this work was to study the influence of drug solubility in 2% v/v acetic acid, formulation parameters, on mean hydrodynamic (MHD) diameters and drug entrapment efficiencies (% EE) into chitosan-TPP nanoparticles (NPs). Drugs of different aqueous solubilities with nearly similar molecular weights were chosen and admixed at several concentrations in 2% acetic acid at different chitosan concentrations and at fixed chitosan to TPP concentrations/volumes ratios. The NPs were freeze-dried, and the supernatants were utilized to determine % EE. Theophylline- and antipyrine-loaded NPs showed the best short-term physical stability in terms of MHD diameters. Antipyrine-loaded NPs possessed the larger MHD diameters, while vitamin C–loaded NPs showed the smallest ones. The relationships between the ratio of drug concentration relative to their solubilities in acetic acid were almost linear for antipyrine and vitamin C–loaded NPs when plotted against and the MHD diameters of NPs, and linear for antipyrine- and theophylline-loaded NPs when plotted against % EE with antipyrine NPs possessing the highest % EE. However, vitamin C– and propylthiouracil-loaded NPs exhibited curvilinear patterns with comparatively lower % EE. The concentration of chitosan, drug solubility in dispersion medium, and the ratio of the concentration of admixed drug relative to its solubility in dispersion medium were found critical in determining % EE and MHD diameters of NPs. It was evident that drugs with extremely low or high solubilities in dispersion medium resulted in low % EE when admixed at both low and high concentrations. Wasfy M Obeidat, Shadi F Gharaibeh, Abdolelah Jaradat Journal: 4- Effect of post-compaction heating on characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose compacts Shadi F Gharaibeh, Wasfy M Obeidat, Nizar Al-Zoubi e-Polymers Download × Effect of post-compaction heating on characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose compacts See abstact Shadi F Gharaibeh, Wasfy M Obeidat, Nizar Al-Zoubi Journal: 5- Preparation and evaluation of ternary polymeric blends for controlled release matrices containing weakly basic model drug Wasfy M Obeidat, Shadi F Gharaibeh, Abdolelah A Jaradat, Osama Abualsuod Current Drug Delivery Download × Preparation and evaluation of ternary polymeric blends for controlled release matrices containing weakly basic model drug Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a ternary mixture of smart polymers comprised of Eudragit®E100, Eudragit®L100, and sodium alginate to serve as a carrier for sustained drug release for weakly basic drugs. The model drug chosen in this part of the study is Metronidazole.Methods: Matrix tablet formulations were prepared by either direct compression or by wet granulation. Dissolution studies were conducted using USP XXΠ rotating paddle apparatus in three different consecutive stages (pH 1.2, 4.8, and 6.8). Tablets made of low to intermediate proportions of sodium alginate and approximately equal proportions of Eudragit®E100 and Eudragit®L100 were found to have a significant modification of drug release rates.Results: Thus, indicating a potential for controlling the drug release for 12 hours depending on polymers ratios in the formulation. The ratio of sodium alginate to total Eudragit® polymers and the ratio of Eudragit®E100 to Eudragit®L100 within the ternary polymeric composition were found critical in determining the controlled release performance.Conclusion: Results of swelling studies were in agreement with the dissolution behaviors of the tablets. The findings suggest the significance of the ternary polymeric compositions in controlling the release of a weakly basic drug, Metronidazole. Wasfy M Obeidat, Shadi F Gharaibeh, Abdolelah A Jaradat, Osama Abualsuod Journal: 6- Tablet splitting practice in Jordan Shadi F Gharaibeh, Linda M Tahaineh, Afaf H Khasawneh Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research Download × Tablet splitting practice in Jordan Objectives To investigate the practice of tablet splitting and the frequency of using different techniques for tablet splitting at outpatient pharmacies in Jordan. Methods A structured questionnaire was used to interview adult patients who were prescribed at least one medication in a half-tablet dosage at two main outpatient pharmacies in the north of Jordan. Key findings A total of 491 patients were interviewed. The most commonly split medication was aspirin 325 mg (38.1%) followed by warfarin 5 mg (3.3%). The most common reason for tablet splitting was physician's order (41.2%). Additionally, (24.0%) of respondents sometimes skipped their doses due to tablet splitting difficulties. The majority of participants (n = 312, 63.5%) used their hands to split tablets. More than a tenth of the participants discarded parts of their tablets when splitting did not result in equal parts from their perspective. Conclusion Tablet splitting practice resulted in drug waste and medication non-adherence. Pharmacists are encouraged to educate other healthcare providers and patients about the practice of tablet splitting and when it is acceptable and when it is not. Shadi F Gharaibeh, Linda M Tahaineh, Afaf H Khasawneh Journal: 7- Assessment of Self-Medication Use among University Students Abdullah Alkhawaldeh1 , PhD, Omar Al Omari2, PhD, Mohammed ALBashtawy3, PhD, Omar Khraisat4, PhD, International Journal of Nursing Download × Assessment of Self-Medication Use among University Students Introduction: The use of self-medication represents a health problem among university students. Aim: This study aimed to explored the self-medication phenomenon among university students. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design and self-reported questionnaire, data were collected from 150 university students. Results: Use of self-medication was reported by 69.3% of the students. The most frequent medications used were analgesics (61.3%), cold & cough medications (58%) and antibiotics (56.7%), with the most common health conditions for self-medication being headaches (64.7%), colds and flu (62.7%), and fever (52.0%). The ease of access to medication (36.0%), advice from friends (32.7%), lack of time to consult physicians (27.3%), long waiting times for treatment (26.7%), hospital medications do not work (20.0%), and the hospital or clinic is very far away (18.7%) were reported by the students as reasons leading to self-medication. The most common sources for self-medication were pharmacies (58.7%), and available in home (49.3%), and hospital (31.3%). Conclusion: The use of self-medication is high among university students. Therefore, decision makers should pay more attention to this phenomenon and more education sessions should be given to youth to draw their attention to the possible negative effects of self-medication. Abdullah Alkhawaldeh1 , PhD, Omar Al Omari2, PhD, Mohammed ALBashtawy3, PhD, Omar Khraisat4, PhD, Journal: 8- Spray Drying for Direct Compression of Pharmaceuticals Nizar Al-Zoubi, Shadi Gharaibeh, Ahmad Aljaberi, Ioannis Nikolakakis Processes Download × Spray Drying for Direct Compression of Pharmaceuticals Tableting by direct compression (DC) is one of the simplest and most cost-effective drug manufacturing approaches. However, most active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients lack the compression and flow properties required to meet the needs of high-speed industrial tablet presses. Therefore, the majority of DC APIs and excipients are modified via processing/co-processing particle engineering techniques to boost their properties. Spray drying is one of the most commonly employed techniques to prepare DC grades of APIs and excipients with prominent advantages. This review aims to present an overview of the commercially marketed and investigationally-prepared DC APIs and excipients produced by spray drying. Nizar Al-Zoubi, Shadi Gharaibeh, Ahmad Aljaberi, Ioannis Nikolakakis Journal: 9- Spray drying of naproxen and naproxen sodium for improved tableting and dissolution–physicochemical characterization and compression performance Nizar Al-Zoubi, Faten Odeh, Ioannis Partheniadis, Shadi Gharaibeh, Ioannis Nikolakakis Pharmaceutical Development and Technology Download × Spray drying of naproxen and naproxen sodium for improved tableting and dissolution–physicochemical characterization and compression performance In this work, the tabletability and dissolution of spray-dried forms of naproxen and its sodium salt were compared with those of unprocessed drugs. Solutions of naproxen or naproxen sodium alone or with HPMC (5% w/w of drug content) were spray dried. Scanning electron micrographs showed that naproxen sodium spray-dried particles were spherical, whereas those of naproxen were non-spherical but isodiametric. Powder x-ray diffraction and thermal analysis indicated that co-spray drying with HPMC resulted in reduced crystallinity of naproxen and higher naproxen sodium dihydrate content. FTIR and Raman analysis showed shifting, merging or elimination of bands in the spectra of the co-spray dried products signifying solid-state alterations. When mixed with suitable processing aids (7% w/w), all co-spray dried powders produced satisfactory tablets in the pressure range 73–295 MPa. Conversely, physical mixtures of naproxen compressed with the same aids failed tableting, whereas naproxen sodium produced weak tablets. Dissolution tests showed significant improvement for co-spray dried drugs tablets. Therefore, since the large therapeutic doses of naproxen and sodium naproxen limit the use of tableting aids, the improved compaction and dissolution performance of the spray-dried forms may be a formulation alternative. Nizar Al-Zoubi, Faten Odeh, Ioannis Partheniadis, Shadi Gharaibeh, Ioannis Nikolakakis Journal: 10- Effect of different splitting techniques on the characteristics of divided tablets of five commonly split drug products in Jordan Shadi F Gharaibeh, Linda Tahaineh Pharmacy Practice (Granada) Download × Effect of different splitting techniques on the characteristics of divided tablets of five commonly split drug products in Jordan Objective: To determine the accuracy, variability, and weight uniformity of tablet subdivision techniques utilized to divide the tablets of five drug products that are commonly prescribed for use as half tablets in Jordan. Methods: Ten random tablets of five commonly subdivided drug products were weighed and subdivided using three subdivision techniques: hand breaking, kitchen knife, and tablet cutter. The five commonly subdivided drug products (warfarin 5 mg, levothyroxine 50 μg, levothyroxine 100 μg, candesartan 16 mg, and carvedilol 25 mg) were weighed. The weights were analyzed for acceptance, accuracy, and variability. Weight variation acceptance criteria were adopted in this work as a tool to indicate the properness of the subdivision techniques used to produce acceptable half tablets. Other relevant physical characteristics of the five products such as tablet shape, dimensions, face curvature, score depth, and crushing strength were measured. Results: All tablets were round in shape, had weights that ranged between 100.63 mg (standard deviation=0.99) and 379.04 mg (standard deviation=3.00), and had crushing strengths that ranged between 23.29 N (standard deviation=3.58)and 103.35 N (standard deviation=14.98). Both candesartan and carvedilol were bi-convex in shape with an extent of face curvature equal to about 33%. In addition, percentage score depth of the tablets had a range between 0% and 24%. The accuracy and variability of subdivision varied according to the subdivision technique used and tablet characteristics. Accuracy range was between 81% and 109.8%. Moreover, the relative standard deviation was between 1.5% and 17.4%. Warfarin 5 mg subdivided tablets failed the weight variation test regardless of the subdivision technique used. Subdivision by hand produced half tablets that were acceptable for levothyroxine 50 μg and levothyroxine 100 μg. Subdivision by knife produced half tablets that were acceptable only for candesartan tablets. However, the tablet cutter produced half tablets that passed the weight variation test for four out of the five drug products tested in this study. Conclusions: The tablet cutter performed better than the other subdivision techniques used. It produced half tablets that passed the weight uniformity test for four drug products out of the five. Shadi F Gharaibeh, Linda Tahaineh Journal: صفحة 1 من 212التاليالاخيرة
Periodontal bacteria occur in both planktonic and biofilm forms. While poor oral hygiene leads to accumulation of bacteria, reducing these microbes is the first step toward good oral hygiene. This is usually achieved through the use of mouthwash solutions. However, the exact antibacterial activity of mouthwash solution, especially when bacteria form biofilms, is yet to be determined. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of common mouthwash solutions against standard bacteria in their planktonic and biofilm states.
Standard bacterial strains were cultured, and biofilm were formrd. Thereafter, using standard method for determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values of various mouthwash solutions were determined.
Results show that common mouthwash solutions have variable antibacterial activity depending on their major active components. Only mouthwash solutions containing chlorohexidine gluconate or cetylpyridinum chloride exhibited activity against majority, but not all tested bacterial strains in their biofilm state. Additionally, bacteria are generally less susceptible to all mouthwash solutions in their biofilm as compared to planktonic state.
While mouthwash solutions have variable antibacterial activity, bacteria in their biofilm state pose a challenge to dental hygiene/care where bacteria become not susceptible to majority of available mouthwash solutions.
In this study, a hardness tester was modified by attaching a metal blade to its testing area to obtain the minimum forces required to subdivide tablets along their diameters (F’). Moreover, the tensile strengths of subdividing tablets (TS’) were calculated. Tablets of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) weighing 0.5 g were produced at applied compression pressures of 21, 31, 41, 50, and 60 MPa. In addition, tablets of Ludipress®, and a 5:2 mixture of paracetamol to MCC weighing 0.7 g were produced at applied compression pressures of 77, 116, 154, 193, and 232 MPa. It was found that F’ increased as the applied compression pressure used to produce the tablets increased until a maximum value was reached. This maximum value was at around 100 N for MCC and Ludipress® tablets and at around 76 N for paracetamol/MCC tablets. Moreover, a maximum value of TS’ was reached at a porosity of 0.37 for MCC, 0.15 for Ludipress®, and 0.11 for paracetamol/MCC tablets. The maximum TS’ values were at around 1.5 MPa for MCC and Ludipress® tablets and at around 0.9 MPa for paracetamol/MCC tablets. Therefore, both inter particulate bonding (tablet strength) and porosity (packing) affected the magnitudes of F’ and TS’.
Chitosan is a natural, biocompatible polymer. The aim of this work was to study the influence of drug solubility in 2% v/v acetic acid, formulation parameters, on mean hydrodynamic (MHD) diameters and drug entrapment efficiencies (% EE) into chitosan-TPP nanoparticles (NPs). Drugs of different aqueous solubilities with nearly similar molecular weights were chosen and admixed at several concentrations in 2% acetic acid at different chitosan concentrations and at fixed chitosan to TPP concentrations/volumes ratios. The NPs were freeze-dried, and the supernatants were utilized to determine % EE. Theophylline- and antipyrine-loaded NPs showed the best short-term physical stability in terms of MHD diameters. Antipyrine-loaded NPs possessed the larger MHD diameters, while vitamin C–loaded NPs showed the smallest ones. The relationships between the ratio of drug concentration relative to their solubilities in acetic acid were almost linear for antipyrine and vitamin C–loaded NPs when plotted against and the MHD diameters of NPs, and linear for antipyrine- and theophylline-loaded NPs when plotted against % EE with antipyrine NPs possessing the highest % EE. However, vitamin C– and propylthiouracil-loaded NPs exhibited curvilinear patterns with comparatively lower % EE. The concentration of chitosan, drug solubility in dispersion medium, and the ratio of the concentration of admixed drug relative to its solubility in dispersion medium were found critical in determining % EE and MHD diameters of NPs. It was evident that drugs with extremely low or high solubilities in dispersion medium resulted in low % EE when admixed at both low and high concentrations.
See abstact
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a ternary mixture of smart polymers comprised of Eudragit®E100, Eudragit®L100, and sodium alginate to serve as a carrier for sustained drug release for weakly basic drugs. The model drug chosen in this part of the study is Metronidazole.Methods: Matrix tablet formulations were prepared by either direct compression or by wet granulation. Dissolution studies were conducted using USP XXΠ rotating paddle apparatus in three different consecutive stages (pH 1.2, 4.8, and 6.8). Tablets made of low to intermediate proportions of sodium alginate and approximately equal proportions of Eudragit®E100 and Eudragit®L100 were found to have a significant modification of drug release rates.Results: Thus, indicating a potential for controlling the drug release for 12 hours depending on polymers ratios in the formulation. The ratio of sodium alginate to total Eudragit® polymers and the ratio of Eudragit®E100 to Eudragit®L100 within the ternary polymeric composition were found critical in determining the controlled release performance.Conclusion: Results of swelling studies were in agreement with the dissolution behaviors of the tablets. The findings suggest the significance of the ternary polymeric compositions in controlling the release of a weakly basic drug, Metronidazole.
To investigate the practice of tablet splitting and the frequency of using different techniques for tablet splitting at outpatient pharmacies in Jordan.
A structured questionnaire was used to interview adult patients who were prescribed at least one medication in a half-tablet dosage at two main outpatient pharmacies in the north of Jordan.
A total of 491 patients were interviewed. The most commonly split medication was aspirin 325 mg (38.1%) followed by warfarin 5 mg (3.3%). The most common reason for tablet splitting was physician's order (41.2%). Additionally, (24.0%) of respondents sometimes skipped their doses due to tablet splitting difficulties. The majority of participants (n = 312, 63.5%) used their hands to split tablets. More than a tenth of the participants discarded parts of their tablets when splitting did not result in equal parts from their perspective.
Tablet splitting practice resulted in drug waste and medication non-adherence. Pharmacists are encouraged to educate other healthcare providers and patients about the practice of tablet splitting and when it is acceptable and when it is not.
Introduction: The use of self-medication represents a health problem among university students. Aim: This study aimed to explored the self-medication phenomenon among university students. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design and self-reported questionnaire, data were collected from 150 university students. Results: Use of self-medication was reported by 69.3% of the students. The most frequent medications used were analgesics (61.3%), cold & cough medications (58%) and antibiotics (56.7%), with the most common health conditions for self-medication being headaches (64.7%), colds and flu (62.7%), and fever (52.0%). The ease of access to medication (36.0%), advice from friends (32.7%), lack of time to consult physicians (27.3%), long waiting times for treatment (26.7%), hospital medications do not work (20.0%), and the hospital or clinic is very far away (18.7%) were reported by the students as reasons leading to self-medication. The most common sources for self-medication were pharmacies (58.7%), and available in home (49.3%), and hospital (31.3%). Conclusion: The use of self-medication is high among university students. Therefore, decision makers should pay more attention to this phenomenon and more education sessions should be given to youth to draw their attention to the possible negative effects of self-medication.
Tableting by direct compression (DC) is one of the simplest and most cost-effective drug manufacturing approaches. However, most active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients lack the compression and flow properties required to meet the needs of high-speed industrial tablet presses. Therefore, the majority of DC APIs and excipients are modified via processing/co-processing particle engineering techniques to boost their properties. Spray drying is one of the most commonly employed techniques to prepare DC grades of APIs and excipients with prominent advantages. This review aims to present an overview of the commercially marketed and investigationally-prepared DC APIs and excipients produced by spray drying.
In this work, the tabletability and dissolution of spray-dried forms of naproxen and its sodium salt were compared with those of unprocessed drugs. Solutions of naproxen or naproxen sodium alone or with HPMC (5% w/w of drug content) were spray dried. Scanning electron micrographs showed that naproxen sodium spray-dried particles were spherical, whereas those of naproxen were non-spherical but isodiametric. Powder x-ray diffraction and thermal analysis indicated that co-spray drying with HPMC resulted in reduced crystallinity of naproxen and higher naproxen sodium dihydrate content. FTIR and Raman analysis showed shifting, merging or elimination of bands in the spectra of the co-spray dried products signifying solid-state alterations. When mixed with suitable processing aids (7% w/w), all co-spray dried powders produced satisfactory tablets in the pressure range 73–295 MPa. Conversely, physical mixtures of naproxen compressed with the same aids failed tableting, whereas naproxen sodium produced weak tablets. Dissolution tests showed significant improvement for co-spray dried drugs tablets. Therefore, since the large therapeutic doses of naproxen and sodium naproxen limit the use of tableting aids, the improved compaction and dissolution performance of the spray-dried forms may be a formulation alternative.
Objective:
To determine the accuracy, variability, and weight uniformity of tablet subdivision techniques utilized to divide the tablets of five drug products that are commonly prescribed for use as half tablets in Jordan.
Methods:
Ten random tablets of five commonly subdivided drug products were weighed and subdivided using three subdivision techniques: hand breaking, kitchen knife, and tablet cutter. The five commonly subdivided drug products (warfarin 5 mg, levothyroxine 50 μg, levothyroxine 100 μg, candesartan 16 mg, and carvedilol 25 mg) were weighed. The weights were analyzed for acceptance, accuracy, and variability. Weight variation acceptance criteria were adopted in this work as a tool to indicate the properness of the subdivision techniques used to produce acceptable half tablets. Other relevant physical characteristics of the five products such as tablet shape, dimensions, face curvature, score depth, and crushing strength were measured.
Results:
All tablets were round in shape, had weights that ranged between 100.63 mg (standard deviation=0.99) and 379.04 mg (standard deviation=3.00), and had crushing strengths that ranged between 23.29 N (standard deviation=3.58)and 103.35 N (standard deviation=14.98). Both candesartan and carvedilol were bi-convex in shape with an extent of face curvature equal to about 33%. In addition, percentage score depth of the tablets had a range between 0% and 24%. The accuracy and variability of subdivision varied according to the subdivision technique used and tablet characteristics. Accuracy range was between 81% and 109.8%. Moreover, the relative standard deviation was between 1.5% and 17.4%. Warfarin 5 mg subdivided tablets failed the weight variation test regardless of the subdivision technique used. Subdivision by hand produced half tablets that were acceptable for levothyroxine 50 μg and levothyroxine 100 μg. Subdivision by knife produced half tablets that were acceptable only for candesartan tablets. However, the tablet cutter produced half tablets that passed the weight variation test for four out of the five drug products tested in this study.
Conclusions:
The tablet cutter performed better than the other subdivision techniques used. It produced half tablets that passed the weight uniformity test for four drug products out of the five.
Email : shadi.gharaibeh@jpu.edu.jo
