Formulation of Calcium Carbonate Chewable Tablets

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body exists in both plant and animal food. Calcium carbonate used as dietary supplement, antacid and to treat hyperphosphatemia in patient with renal failure. Side effect of calcium carbonate includes gastrointestinal disturbance (constipation, gas flatulent) and hypercalcemia. To decrease the absorption time of calcium carbonate tablets it was thought to formulate it as a chewable tablet. Four formulations were prepared form calcium carbonate in different concentrations using different type and concentration of sweeting agent. The chewable tablet where prepared by wet granulation method. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, assay and content uniformity. The formula which contains mannitol 460 mg and saccharin 4.95 mg was found to possess acceptable hardness, friability and good test. It had been concluded that, chewable tablet of calcium carbonate represents an extension to the local industry in Sudan instead of importation. Formulation 4 can be manufactured locally and marketed after the regulatory requirements fulfillment