EVALUATION OF MODIFIED RICE STARCH, A NEW EXCIPIENT FOR DIRECT COMPRESSION

The compression characteristics of modified rice starch (Primotab(R)ET), a new excipient for the preparation of tablets by direct compression is evaluated. Modified rice starch is an agglomerated rice starch product. It has excellent flowing and disintegration properties. In contrast to other starch-based filler-binders, after mixing with a lubricant, the binding properties were sufficient.Tablets containing oxazepam as a model drug were prepared with modified rice starch as unique filler-binder or with a blend of equal parts of modified rice starch and a commonly used filler-binder. The tablet properties show that modified rice starch is a useful product for the preparation of tablets by direct compression. It can be used as a unique filler-binder, or in combination with other excipients such as alpha-lactose monohydrate or anhydrous lactose. Combinations with microcrystalline cellulose should be avoided because of the poor flowability of the blends and the slow disintegration of the tablets.