Objective: To investigate the effects of acetylation and pregelatinization of cassava and
sweet potato starches on the mechanical and release properties of directly compressed
paracetamol tablet formulations in comparison with official corn starch.
Methods: The native starches were modified by acetylation and pregelatinization. The
tablets were assessed using friability (Fr), crushing strength (Cs), disintegration time (Dt)
and dissolution parameters.
Results: Starch acetylation produced paracetamol tablets that were stronger and had the
best balance of mechanical and disintegration properties, while pregelatinization produced
tablets that were more friable but had a better overall strength in relation to
disintegration than formulations made from natural starches. Correlations mainly existed
between Dt and the dissolution parameters t80, t2 and k1 in the formulations.
Conclusions: Modification of the experimental starches improved the mechanical and
release properties of directly compressed paracetamol tablet formulations. Thus, they can
be developed for use as pharmaceutical excipients in specific formulations.