Particle Size and Shape

• Particle size and shape are critical physical parameters in pre-formulation studies that significantly influence the behavior and performance of pharmaceutical dosage forms.
• Particle size and shape determine the surface area, flowability, dissolution rate, and bioavailability of a drug, making them critical factors in pre-formulation and product design.

Particle Size:

• Definition:

  • Refers to the diameter or dimension of individual drug particles.

• Importance:

  • Dissolution Rate: Smaller particles have a larger surface area, enhancing dissolution and absorption.
  • Uniformity: Ensures consistent dosing in tablet or capsule formulations.
  • Flow Properties: Poorly sized particles may lead to aggregation and poor flow, impacting manufacturing efficiency.
  • Bioavailability: Influences drug absorption, especially for poorly soluble drugs.

• Example:

  • Micronization reduces particle size to improve the solubility of drugs like griseofulvin and fenofibrate.

Particle Shape:

• Definition:

  • Describes the geometric form of particles (e.g., spherical, irregular, needle-shaped).

• Importance:

  • Flow Properties: Spherical particles flow better than irregular ones.
  • Packing Density: Impacts compression characteristics during tablet manufacturing.
  • Dissolution Rate: Shape can influence the effective surface area exposed to the solvent.

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