The Magnesium Stearate Handbook: Essential Reference for Pharmaceutical Scientists
The Magnesium Stearate Handbook by Patrick C. Okoye provides pharmaceutical scientists, formulators, and researchers with comprehensive technical guidance on one of the most widely used excipients in drug manufacturing. This hardcover reference addresses the critical role of magnesium stearate (MgSt) as a lubricant in capsule and tablet production across cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical applications.
Technical Coverage and Applications
Magnesium stearate appears in over 50% of the top two hundred prescription drugs, typically at concentrations between 0.25% and 5%. This handbook examines a broader concentration spectrum from 1% to 10%, presenting unique properties during powder rheology, tableting processes, and effects on drug dissolution. The comprehensive approach enables pharmaceutical scientists to make informed decisions during excipient selection for new product development and reformulation projects.
Polymorphism and Pseudopolymorphism
Understanding polymorphism and pseudopolymorphism in magnesium stearate represents a critical factor in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This handbook explores how these structural variations impact tablet lubrication processes and drug dissolution rates. The detailed analysis provides preformulation scientists with practical tools for both in silico modeling and bench-level experimentation, reducing potential complications during clinical batch production, product scale-up, and commercial product transfer.
Scientific and Economic Significance
Given the global application of magnesium stearate in pharmaceutical manufacturing, this reference addresses both scientific fundamentals and economic considerations. The handbook serves as a practical resource for excipient selection processes, helping scientists avoid costly issues during product development cycles. Accurate lubricant selection based on the principles outlined in this text can streamline commercialization timelines and improve product consistency across manufacturing sites.
Target Audience
This technical reference is designed for preformulation scientists, pharmaceutical formulators, quality control professionals, and regulatory affairs specialists working in drug development and manufacturing. The content supports professionals engaged in excipient evaluation, tablet formulation optimization, and manufacturing process development. Published by iUniverse in November 2016, this hardcover edition provides a durable reference for laboratory and office environments.
