Direct Compression Microcrystalline Cellulose Grade 12 versus Classic Grade 102

straightforward in terms of good manufacturing practice requirements than are wet granulation and dry compaction, the pharmaceutical industry is focusing increasingly on this process. Although coarse microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) grade 12 offers outstanding flow properties, the most commonly used grade for direct compression is the well-known fine grade 102. The reason for this preference is that many users expect segregation (and subsequent poor weightand content-uniformity results) when combining fine active ingredients with coarse-grade excipients. A comparison study was conducted to find out if this apparently logical assumption was correct. Following the Japanese Standard Formulation Research Association (www.iijnet. or.jp/SPJT) guidelines, fine-quality acetaminophen was chosen as the active ingredient (1). In addition, the two grades of MCC were compared in various mixtures with lactose because this binder–filler combination is used widely.