Studies of Nondisintegrating and Matrix-types of Fine Granules

Abstract

In order to mask the bitter taste of zonisamide, a new antiepileptic compound, nondisintegrating and matrix-types of fine granules were studied by several production methods using ethylcellulose (EC) and hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose (HPMC) as a coating or as granulating materials.
It was found that the procedure for granulating mixtures of zonisamide, EC, HPMC and lactose with a soluble solvent to EC by using a high speed mixer-granulator is more appropriate to mask the bitter taste of zonisamide than that by the coating method, and it is especially convenient for the mass production.
In this granulating method, the particle size of EC was the most important factor affecting the dissolution rate, the size distribution and the taste of granules.