CONCLUSIONS
The granulometry of filler-binder (microcrystalline cellulose) has significant influence on hardness and friability of ASA tablets. Tablets prepared with microcrystalline cellulose with the largest mean particle size (100 µm; Avicel PH-102) presented higher hardness, lower friability and higher amount of drug released than those prepared with Avicel PH-101 (mean particle size of 50 µm). Regarding tablet lubrication, the use of stearic acid led to the obtaining of tablets with higher hardness and amount of drug dissolved after 30 min compared to magnesium stearate. The overall results of this study show the influence of the type of lubricant as well as the filler granulometry on the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characteristics of tablets containing high amount of ASA obtained by direct compression.