This work was aimed at comparing the mechanical and release properties of paracetamol tablets formulated with okra gum (OKG), povidone (PVP), gelatin (GEL), and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) as wet binders. Each was separately employed at 1.0 - 5.0%w/w to granulate powder mix of paracetamol (82%), lactose (8%), and corn starch BP (10%). Compacts with and without centre holes were made with 500mg of granules compressed at 7.5 arbitrary units. Relevant quality control tests were performed on the tablets and the results compared. Friedman’s test and regression analysis were employed to analyze binder effectiveness and economy on paracetamol tablet formulation. Results showed tablets’ tensile strengths to be in the order: HPMC > GEL > OKG > PVP. All the tablets (except those formulated with 1.0%w/w HPMC) passed the friability test. Friedman’s test revealed OKG as the most effective binder while regression analysis proved OKG to be the most economical binder with respect to reduction of BFI values ( P < 0.05) which is directly related to binders’ abilities to ameliorate capping and lamination in tablets. The dissolution profiles of tablets formulated with OKG were good at binder concentrations of 1 – 2 %w/w and closely followed those of tablets formulated with PVP. Beyond 2 %w/w binder concentration the profiles declined, in comparison to those of PVP yet better than those of GEL, and HPMC. At 1.0%w/w concentration, OKG reduced the BFI of paracetamol tablets to an acceptable level (0.296), and with a dissolution profile similar to that of PVP formulated tablets, it has proved to be more effective and economical than PVP which imparted a similar BFI values to the tablets at concentration thrice that of OKG. OKG is therefore recommended as an alternative to PVP, an expensive binder.
