Calcium Citrate in Tablet Manufacturing: A Formulator's Perspective
For pharmaceutical product developers and formulators, selecting the right excipients is critical for creating effective and stable dosage forms. Calcium Citrate, particularly in its granular DC (Direct Compression) grade, presents a compelling option for tablet manufacturing. This article delves into why Calcium Citrate is a valuable ingredient and what formulators should consider when incorporating it into their formulations.
Calcium Citrate, identified by CAS 813-94-5, is a white powder or granular material derived from citric acid. Its chemical properties make it suitable not only as a nutrient supplement but also as a functional excipient. The granular form, often manufactured to meet specific DC grade requirements, offers excellent flowability and compressibility, essential characteristics for efficient direct compression tableting processes. This means manufacturers can potentially reduce processing steps and costs by utilizing this directly compressible form.
The advantages of using Calcium Citrate as an excipient are multifaceted. Firstly, its inherent calcium content can be a dual-purpose benefit, acting as both a filler and contributing to the nutritional profile of the tablet. Secondly, its good compressibility ensures that tablets can be formed with adequate hardness and low friability, even at high dosages. This is particularly important when formulating calcium supplements where a significant amount of the active ingredient or filler is required.
When sourcing Calcium Citrate for pharmaceutical use, it is imperative to partner with reputable manufacturers and suppliers who can guarantee USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or equivalent grade purity. This ensures the absence of contaminants and adherence to stringent quality control measures relevant to pharmaceutical ingredients. Buyers should always request detailed specifications, including particle size distribution, loss on drying, and heavy metal content, to match their specific formulation needs.
As a leading supplier of Calcium Citrate in China, we understand the critical demands of the pharmaceutical industry. We offer Calcium Citrate in various grades, including the specialized DC grade granular form, ensuring consistent quality and reliable supply. Inquiring about Calcium Citrate price for bulk pharmaceutical orders can often reveal cost-saving opportunities without compromising on the essential quality parameters required for drug product manufacturing.
Formulators should also consider the potential interactions of Calcium Citrate with other active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients. While generally considered inert and stable, compatibility testing is always a recommended step in the development process. By carefully selecting a high-quality Calcium Citrate supplier and understanding its properties, formulators can successfully leverage this ingredient to create robust and effective tablet formulations.
Perspectives & Insights
Agile Reader One
“Firstly, its inherent calcium content can be a dual-purpose benefit, acting as both a filler and contributing to the nutritional profile of the tablet.”
Logic Vision Labs
“Secondly, its good compressibility ensures that tablets can be formed with adequate hardness and low friability, even at high dosages.”
Molecule Origin 88
“This is particularly important when formulating calcium supplements where a significant amount of the active ingredient or filler is required.”