Fabrication and characterization of cocoa butter-based caffeine fast-melting tablets

Ther Deliv. 2024;15(7):495-505. doi: 10.1080/20415990.2024.2354115. Epub 2024 Jun 11.

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to develop and characterize the physical properties of fast-melting tablets (FMTs) using cocoa butter as the base and caffeine as the model drug.Method: The simple refrigerator freezing method was employed to prepare caffeine-loaded, FMTs from cocoa butter bases.Results: The F3 chosen formulation achieved a disintegration time of 1.20 min ± 0.035, which falls within the specified limit set by the European Pharmacopoeia. The cumulative drug release data of F3, was 88.52 and 94.08% within 60 and 75 min, respectively (NLT 85% as per US FDA requirement). All the other physical test standards for FMTs met the pharmacopeial specifications.Conclusion: Based on the findings, the simple refrigerator freezing method could be used to formulate FMTs.

Keywords: caffeine; cocoa butter; fast-melting tablets; in vitro disintegration; in vitro dissolution.

Plain language summary

Patient-friendly natural caffeine-loaded cocoa butter-based fast-melting tablets with rapid disintegration, affordability, safety and biocompatibility are an efficient base for drug delivery.

MeSH terms

  • Caffeine* / chemistry
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods
  • Dietary Fats
  • Drug Compounding / methods
  • Drug Liberation
  • Excipients / chemistry
  • Freezing
  • Solubility
  • Tablets* / chemistry

Substances

  • Tablets
  • Caffeine
  • cocoa butter
  • Dietary Fats
  • Excipients