Abstract
Grinding of tablets and opening of filled capsules are often requested as a part of dispensing. Current status of grinding of tablets was investigated on out-patient and in-patient prescriptions in Kumamoto University Hospital in April, 1990.It was shown that the frequency of prescriptions ordering grinding of tablets was about 2% of total prescriptions.Weight loss in tablet contents caused by grinding process was investigated with seven kinds of plain tablets, namely prednisolone, Halcion®, Thyradine®-S, Cortril®, quinidine sulfate, Androcur®, and Baktar®.Two methods of grinding, one using a mortar and pestle and the other using a tablet grinding machine, were compared.
In both methods the extent of loss in weight varied with numbers of tablets and with weight of each tablet employed.The increase in loss in weight was attended by the decrease in number of tablets and weight of each tablet.The loss in weight by the method using a tablet grinding machine was decreased by adding lactose (crystalline type).
