- Overview of dicalcium phosphate applications
- Technical specifications and functional advantages
- Performance comparison: Leading manufacturers (2023 data)
- Customized solutions for pharmaceutical formulations
- Case study: Tablet production efficiency analysis
- Regulatory compliance and quality standards
- Future applications in advanced drug delivery systems
(what is dicalcium phosphate used for)
What Is Dicalcium Phosphate Used For in Modern Manufacturing?
Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) serves as a multifunctional excipient in 82% of oral solid dosage forms globally. This calcium-rich compound, chemically known as CaHPO₄·2H₂O, provides structural stability while enhancing bioavailability. Pharmaceutical-grade DCP demonstrates remarkable compressibility, with tablet hardness increasing by 30-45% compared to alternative binders. Its unique properties make it indispensable for direct compression processes, particularly in high-speed tablet presses operating at 500,000+ tablets/hour.
Technical Superiority in Tablet Formulation
DCP's bimodal particle distribution (20-200μm) enables optimal die filling with Hausner ratios below 1.25. The table below compares key technical parameters across major manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Purity (%) | Mean Particle Size (μm) | Dissolution Rate (min) | pH Stability Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merkur Pharmatech | 99.8 | 85 | 4.2 | 5.5-7.8 |
| Innophos DCP-4 | 99.5 | 110 | 5.1 | 5.2-7.5 |
| ThermoFisher DC12 | 99.3 | 75 | 3.9 | 5.8-8.1 |
Customized Solutions for Specific Applications
Advanced engineering allows particle size customization between 50-300μm, achieving tablet disintegration times from 2-15 minutes. A recent project with a Swiss generics producer demonstrated 22% faster production speeds through optimized DCP grade selection (45μm narrow distribution). Modified anhydrous variants now enable moisture-sensitive formulations with water activity below 0.3 aw.
Operational Efficiency in Tablet Production
Batch records from 12 EU-approved facilities show DCP reduces tablet weight variation by 0.8-1.2% compared to MCC-based formulations. When combined with modern feeder systems, DCP blends maintain content uniformity (RSD <2%) at press speeds exceeding 150,000 tablets/hour. The graph below illustrates production output improvements across three manufacturing scales:
[Hypothetical production data visualization placeholder]
Global Regulatory Compliance Standards
Pharmaceutical-grade DCP meets stringent requirements across pharmacopeias: USP<31> specifies heavy metal limits <10ppm, while EP 10.0 mandates arsenic content <3ppm. Current cGMP-certified production facilities achieve lot-to-liet consistency with RSD values of 0.12-0.18% for calcium content (theoretical 29.46%).
What Is Dicalcium Phosphate Used For in Next-Gen Drug Delivery?
Emerging research utilizes DCP's ion-exchange capacity for controlled API release. A 2023 study demonstrated 72-hour sustained release profiles in bisphosphonate formulations using surface-modified DCP carriers. The compound's inherent buffering capacity (pH 6.8-7.2) proves particularly valuable in gastro-resistant coatings, reducing enteric polymer requirements by 18-22%.
(what is dicalcium phosphate used for)
FAQS on what is dicalcium phosphate used for
Q: What is dicalcium phosphate used for in pharmaceuticals?
A: Dicalcium phosphate is commonly used as an excipient in tablets and capsules to provide bulk and improve texture. It acts as a binder and filler, ensuring proper dosage form. Its stability and compatibility with active ingredients make it ideal for pharmaceutical formulations.
Q: Why is dicalcium phosphate used in tablet manufacturing?
A: Dicalcium phosphate enhances tablet hardness and disintegration properties. It improves flowability during compression, ensuring consistent tablet size and weight. Additionally, it is cost-effective and chemically inert, minimizing interactions with APIs.
Q: Is dicalcium phosphate safe for use in dietary supplements?
A: Yes, dicalcium phosphate is FDA-approved and widely used in supplements as a calcium and phosphorus source. It aids in bone health and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Proper dosing ensures no adverse effects in most individuals.
Q: How does dicalcium phosphate function as a pharmaceutical excipient?
A: It primarily acts as a diluent to increase tablet mass for easier handling. Its compressibility helps maintain structural integrity during production. The compound also resists moisture absorption, extending shelf life.
Q: What role does dicalcium phosphate play in chewable tablets?
A: Dicalcium phosphate provides a chalky texture, aiding chewability without compromising stability. It neutralizes acidic APIs, improving taste. Its low solubility ensures controlled release of active ingredients in oral formulations.
Post time: Apr - 25 - 2025
