The Impact of Heat on Mechanical and Drug Release Properties of Tablets Containing Low Molecular Weight PEO (LMW PEO)

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective. Evaluate crush resistance ability of LMW PEO that is further improved when the products containing PEO are thermally processed. Background. PEO may be used in abuse deterrent formulations (ADFs) to decrease opioid abuse by preventing physical tampering. Methods. Tablets prepared using 200 mg LMW PEO, 275 mg Avicel, and 25 mg dextromethorphan HCl. The mechanical strength of the tablets was determined using a ball-mill grinder. Tablets (control and heated) were placed in the mill and subjected to steel balls revolving at full speed at a frequency of 25 Hz for 5 min. Particles were then sieved to determine particle size distribution via sieve analysis. Furthermore, the dissolution study of both control and heat-treated tablets was carried out in 0.1% HCl dissolution medium. Results.As it was previously mentioned, the more particles smaller than 500 μm, the less crush resistant tablets are. In control tablets 61.86±11.4% of particles are smaller than 500 μm and this amount decreased to 5.24±5.66 in cured tablets at 80°C (P Conclusion. Tablets containing LMW PEO can offer significant mechanical resistance and tunable drug release if heated at temperatures above the melting point and well below the degradation temperature of the polymer.