Running powder consists of:

• A. external disintegrant and binder
• B. Internal disintegrant and colorant
• C. External disintegrant and lubricant
• D. Internal disintegrant and binder

Answer: (C)

The ability of a powder to run smoothly through the feeder and die system depends on reducing friction and preventing particles from sticking together. A lubricant coats the surface of the powder to lower interparticle and equipment-wall friction, which directly enhances flow and prevents sticking during handling and compressing. An external disintegrant placed on the surface helps the tablet break apart quickly when it encounters liquid, without needing to be embedded inside every granule. This combination keeps the bulk flow favorable while ensuring rapid disintegration later in use. Internal disintegrants or binders tend to make the powder more cohesive and harder to flow, and colorant doesn’t affect flow or disintegration properties. So pairing an external disintegrant with a lubricant best supports a powder that runs well through the process and then disintegrates efficiently when needed.