Paracetamol DC 90: The Direct-Compression Grade

Paracetamol (acetaminophen, CAS 103-90-2) is sold as several physical forms, and DC 90 is the direct-compression grade. This page explains what makes it different, why it matters to a tablet manufacturer, and when to use it.

What “DC” means

DC stands for direct compression. A direct-compression grade is an API that has been built into free-flowing granules so that it can be tabletted by simply blending it with excipients and compressing – without a separate granulation step.

Step	Plain powder route	DC 90 route
Blend	Mix API + excipients	Mix API + excipients
Granulate	Wet/dry granulation required	Not required
Dry / size	Dry and size the granulate	Not required
Compress	Compress	Compress directly

What defines the DC 90 grade

Parameter	Specification
Appearance	White free flowing fine granules
Assay	87.5 – 92.5%
Loss on drying	1.00 – 2.40%
Bulk density	0.50 – 0.70 g/ml
Particle size	Defined by sieve analysis (USS 20-80)

The sieve analysis is the defining feature: the granule is rationed across the 20-to-80 mesh range and the fines (pan) are capped at 25%, so it flows into the die evenly and compacts into a uniform tablet.

The sieve specification in plain terms

Fraction	Specification	Why
Retained on USS 20	20% max	Limits oversize granules
Retained on USS 40	40% min	Enough coarse granule for flow
Retained on USS 60	65% min	Main compaction fraction
Accumulated on USS 80	75% min	Controls the fine end
Pan (fines)	25% max	Caps dusting/fines

When to use DC 90

You want to skip granulation – direct compression saves unit operations, time and capital.
Your press suits this density – the 0.50-0.70 g/ml bulk density must fit your die filling and dose.
You want consistency – a defined particle size gives consistent tablet weight and hardness.

If your process granulates anyway, a plain powder grade may be cheaper; if your press needs a different density, another DC grade may fit better. DC 90 is the common direct-compression choice for paracetamol tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does DC 90 mean?

It is a direct-compression grade of paracetamol (CAS 103-90-2): free-flowing granules designed for blend-and-compress tabletting.

Why is the assay 87.5 – 92.5%?

It is a granulated DC grade, so the assay reflects the active content of the granule, as defined by the specification.

Does DC 90 need granulation?

No – that is its purpose; it is tabletted directly by blending with excipients and compressing.

What bulk density does it have?

0.50 – 0.70 g/ml, which controls die filling and tablet weight.

Is it a pharmaceutical API?

Yes – paracetamol DC 90 is an API; import and use are governed by the destination market’s regulations.