Formulation and evaluation of novel coated floating tablets of bergenin and cetirizine dihydrochloride for gastric delivery

A novel coated gastric floating drug-delivery system (GFDDS) of bergenin (BN) and cetirizine dihydrochloride (CET) was developed. First, the pharmacodynamic studies were performed and the results revealed that the new compounds of bergenin/cetirizine dihydrochloride had comparative efficacy as commercial products (bergenin/chlorphenamine maleate) but with fewer side effects on central nervous system (CNS). Subsequently, bergenin was formulated as an extended-release core tablet while cetirizine dihydrochloride was incorporated into the gastric coating film for immediate release. The formulation of GFDDS was optimized by CET content uniformity test, in vitro buoyancy and drug release. Herein, the effects of sodium bicarbonate (effervescent), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, matrix polymer) and coating weight gain were investigated respectively. The optimized GFDDS exhibited good floating properties (buoyancy lag time < 2?min; floating duration > 10?h) and satisfactory drug-release profiles (immediate release of CET in 10?min and sustained release of BN for 12?h). In vivo gamma scintigraphy proved that the optimized GFDDS could retain in the stomach with a prolonged gastric retention time (GRT) of 5?h, and the coating layer showed no side effect for gastric retention. The novel coated gastric floating drug-delivery system offers a new approach to enhance BN’s absorption at its absorption site and the efficacy of both CET and BN.     

Formulation and evaluation of novel coated floating tablets of bergenin and cetirizine dihydrochloride for gastric delivery

A novel coated gastric floating drug-delivery system (GFDDS) of bergenin (BN) and cetirizine dihydrochloride (CET) was developed. First, the pharmacodynamic studies were performed and the results revealed that the new compounds of bergenin/cetirizine dihydrochloride had comparative efficacy as commercial products (bergenin/chlorphenamine maleate) but with fewer side effects on central nervous system (CNS). Subsequently, bergenin was formulated as an extended-release core tablet while cetirizine dihydrochloride was incorporated into the gastric coating film for immediate release. The formulation of GFDDS was optimized by CET content uniformity test, in vitro buoyancy and drug release. Herein, the effects of sodium bicarbonate (effervescent), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, matrix polymer) and coating weight gain were investigated respectively. The optimized GFDDS exhibited good floating properties (buoyancy lag time < 2?min; floating duration > 10?h) and satisfactory drug-release profiles (immediate release of CET in 10?min and sustained release of BN for 12?h). In vivo gamma scintigraphy proved that the optimized GFDDS could retain in the stomach with a prolonged gastric retention time (GRT) of 5?h, and the coating layer showed no side effect for gastric retention. The novel coated gastric floating drug-delivery system offers a new approach to enhance BN's absorption at its absorption site and the efficacy of both CET and BN.     

Bioavailability enhancement of baclofen by gastroretentive floating formulation: statistical optimization,in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies

Objectives: The study was aimed to improve bioavailability of baclofen by developing gastroretentive floating drug delivery system (GFDDS).

Methods: Preliminary optimization was done to select various release retardants to obtain minimum floating lag time, maximum floating duration and sustained release. Optimization by 3² factorial design was done using Polyox WSR 303 (X₁) and HPMC K₄M (X₂) as independent variables and cumulative percentage drug released at 6?h (Q6h) as dependent variable.

Results: Optimized formulation showed floating lag time of 4–5 s, floated for more than 12?h and released the drug in sustained manner. In vitro release followed zero ordered kinetics and when fitted to Korsemeyer Peppas model, indicated drug release by combination of diffusion as well as chain relaxation. In vivo floatability study confirmed floatation for more than 6?h. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits showed C_max of 189.96?±?13.04?ng/mL and T_max of 4?±?0.35?h for GFDDS. The difference for AUC_(0–T) and AUC_(0–∞) between the test and reference formulation was statistically significant (p > 0.05). AUC_(0–T) and AUC_(0–∞) for GFDDS was 2.34 and 2.43 times greater than the marketed formulation respectively.

Conclusion: GFDDS provided prolonged gastric residence and showed significant increase in bi oavailability of baclofen.     

Captopril floating and/or bioadhesive tablets: design and release kinetics

Two viscosity grades of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC 4000 and 15000 cps) and Carbopol 934P were used to prepare captopril floating tablets. In vitro dissolution was carried out in simulated gastric fluid (enzyme free) at 37°C ± 0.1°C using the USP apparatus 2 basket method. Compared to conventional tablets, release of captopril from these floating tablets was apparently prolonged; as a result, a 24-hr controlled-release dosage form for captopril was achieved. Drug release best fit both the Higuchi model and the Korsmeyer and Peppas equation, followed by first-order kinetics. While tablet hardness and stirring rate had no or little effect on the release kinetics, tablets hardness was found to be a determining factor with regard to the buoyancy of the tablets.     

Study of controlled-release floating tablets of dipyridamole using the dry-coated method

Dipyridamole (DIP), having a short biological half-life, has a narrow absorption window and is primarily absorbed in the stomach. So, the purpose of this study was to prepare controlled-release floating (CRF) tablets of dipyridamole by the dry-coated method. The influence of agents with different viscosity, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinylpyrollidon K30 (PVP K30) in the core tablet and low-viscosity HPMC and PVP K30 in the coating layer on drug release, were investigated. Then, a study with a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experimental design was used to optimize the formulation of the CRF tablets. After data processing, the optimized formulation was found to be: 80?mg HPMC K4M in the core tablet, 80?mg HPMC E15 in core tablet and 40?mg PVP K30 in the coating layer. Moreover, an in vitro buoyancy study showed that the optimized formulation had an excellent floating ability and could immediately float without a lag time and this lasted more than 12?h. Furthermore, an in vivo gamma scintigraphic study showed that the gastric residence time of the CRF tablet was about 8?h.     

Porous carrier based floating granular delivery system of repaglinide

A floating granular delivery system consisting of calcium silicate (CS) as porous carrier; repaglinide (Rg), an oral hypoglycemic agent; and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M (HPMC K4M), ethyl cellulose (EC) and carbopol 940 (CP940) as matrix forming polymers was prepared and evaluated for its gastro-retentive and controlled release properties. The effect of various formulation and process variables on the particle morphology, micromeritic properties, in vitro floating behavior, drug content (%) and in vitro drug release was studied. The transit of floating granules of optimized formulation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was monitored by gamma scintigraphy in albino rabbits. The optimized formulation was compared in vivo with lactose granules (RgSCLG) prepared from identical polymers with their optimized composition ratio. Repaglinide-loaded optimized formulation was orally administered to albino rabbits and blood samples collected were used to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of Rg from floating granular formulation. Results were compared with pharmacokinetic parameters of marketed tablet formulation of Rg. The optimized formulation (RgSCG4) demonstrated favorable in vitro floating and release characteristics. Prolonged gastric residence time (GRT) of over 6 hr was achieved in all subjects for calcium silicate based floating granules of Rg. The relative bioavailability of Rg-loaded floating granules increased 3.8-fold in comparison to that of its marketed capsule. The designed system, combining excellent buoyant ability and suitable drug release pattern, offered clear advantages in terms of increased bioavailability of repaglinide.     

Preparation and evaluation of floating tablets of pregabalin

Abstract

Floating tablets of pregabalin were prepared using different concentrations of the gums (xanthan gum and guar gum), Carbopol 974P NF and HPMC K100. Optimized formulations were studied for physical tests, floating time, swelling behavior, in vitro release studies and stability studies. In vitro drug release was higher for tablet batches containing guar and xanthan gum as compared to the batches containing Carbopol 974P NF. Tablet batches were subjected to stability studies and evaluated by different parameters (drug release, drug content, FTIR and DSC studies). The optimized tablet batch was selected for in vivo pharmacodynamic studies (PTZ induced seizures). The results obtained showed that the onset of jerks and clonus were delayed and extensor phase was abolished with time in treated groups. A significant difference (p?>?0.05) was observed in control and treated group behavior indicating an excellent activity of the formulation for a longer period (>12?h).     

Formulation and release characteristics of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrix tablet containing melatonin

A hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablet containing melatonin (MT) was formulated as a function of HPMC viscosity, drug loading, type and amount of disintegrant, lubricant and glidant, and aqueous polymeric coating level and was compared with two commercial products. The release characteristics of the HPMC matrix tablet were investigated in the gastric fluid for 2 hr followed by study in intestinal fluid. The surface morphology of an uncoated HPMC matrix tablet using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was crude, showing aggregated particles and rough crystals or pores, but it became smoother as the coating levels increased. As the HPMC polymer viscosity increased, the release rate had a tendency to decrease. As the drug loadings increased, the release rate slightly decreased. When Polyplasdone®XL, Primojel®, and Ac-Di-Sol®, except Avicel®, were incorporated in the HPMC matrix tablet, the release rate was markedly increased. There was no significant difference in release profiles when a mixture of lubricants and glidants (magnesium stearate, talc, and Cab-O-Sil®), except for magnesium stearate alone, was incorporated into low and high viscosity grade HPMC matrix tablets. As the coating level increased, the release rate gradually decreased, giving an increased lag time. The sustained-release HPMC matrix tablet with optimizing formulations may provide an alternative for oral controlled delivery of MT and be helpful in the future treatment of circadian rhythmic disorders.     

Formulation and Release Characteristics of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Matrix Tablet Containing Melatonin

A hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablet containing melatonin (MT) was formulated as a function of HPMC viscosity, drug loading, type and amount of disintegrant, lubricant and glidant, and aqueous polymeric coating level and was compared with two commercial products. The release characteristics of the HPMC matrix tablet were investigated in the gastric fluid for 2 hr followed by study in intestinal fluid. The surface morphology of an uncoated HPMC matrix tablet using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was crude, showing aggregated particles and rough crystals or pores, but it became smoother as the coating levels increased. As the HPMC polymer viscosity increased, the release rate had a tendency to decrease. As the drug loadings increased, the release rate slightly decreased. When Polyplasdone®XL, Primojel®, and Ac-Di-Sol®, except Avicel®, were incorporated in the HPMC matrix tablet, the release rate was markedly increased. There was no significant difference in release profiles when a mixture of lubricants and glidants (magnesium stearate, talc, and Cab-O-Sil®), except for magnesium stearate alone, was incorporated into low and high viscosity grade HPMC matrix tablets. As the coating level increased, the release rate gradually decreased, giving an increased lag time. The sustained-release HPMC matrix tablet with optimizing formulations may provide an alternative for oral controlled delivery of MT and be helpful in the future treatment of circadian rhythmic disorders.     

An investigation into the impact of magnesium stearate on powder feeding during roller compaction

A systematic evaluation on the effect of magnesium stearate on the transmission of a placebo formulation from the hopper to the rolls during screw fed roller compaction has been carried out. It is demonstrated that, for a system with two 'knurled' rollers, addition of 0.5% w/w magnesium stearate can lead to a significant increase in ribbon mass throughput, with a consequential increase in roll gap, compared to an unlubricated formulation (manufactured at equivalent process conditions). However, this effect is reduced if one of the rollers is smooth. Roller compaction of a lubricated formulation using two smooth rollers was found to be ineffective due to a reduction in friction at the powder/roll interface, i.e. powder was not drawn through the rollers leading to a blockage in the feeding system. An increase in ribbon mass throughput could also be achieved if the equipment surfaces were pre-lubricated. However this increase was found to be temporary suggesting that the residual magnesium stearate layer was removed from the equipment surfaces. Powder sticking to the equipment surfaces, which is common during pharmaceutical manufacturing, was prevented if magnesium stearate was present either in the blend, or at the roll surface. It is further demonstrated that the influence of the hopper stirrer, which is primarily used to prevent bridge formation in the hopper and help draw powder more evenly into the auger chamber, can lead to further mixing of the formulation, and could therefore affect a change in the lubricity of the carefully blended input material.     

Captopril Floating and/or Bioadhesive Tablets: Design and Release Kinetics

Two viscosity grades of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC 4000 and 15000 cps) and Carbopol 934P were used to prepare captopril floating tablets. In vitro dissolution was carried out in simulated gastric fluid (enzyme free) at 37°C ± 0.1°C using the USP apparatus 2 basket method. Compared to conventional tablets, release of captopril from these floating tablets was apparently prolonged; as a result, a 24-hr controlled-release dosage form for captopril was achieved. Drug release best fit both the Higuchi model and the Korsmeyer and Peppas equation, followed by first-order kinetics. While tablet hardness and stirring rate had no or little effect on the release kinetics, tablets hardness was found to be a determining factor with regard to the buoyancy of the tablets.     

Formulation and Evaluation of Diclofenac Sodium Using Hydrophilic Matrices

Controlled-release tablets (having near zero-order release) of diclofenac sodium, a water-soluble drug, were prepared using hydrophilic polymers like hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), and Carbopol 934. Tablets were also prepared with mixtures of polymers of NaCMC, HPMC, and Carbopol 934. The optimum ratio of drug : HPMC : NaCMC was found to be 1 : 2 : 1. A combination of nonionic polymer HPMC and anionic NaCMC polymer matrix resulted in near zero-order release of diclofenac sodium. The results obtained were in agreement with the earlier reports. It is observed that increasing polymer content produces more sustained effect. A combination of nonionic polymer HPMC and anionic polymer NaCMC as the polymer matrix resulted in near zero-order release of diclofenac sodium. Drug release from the matrix did not follow Fick's law of diffusion and exhibited near zero-order release. Results of the bioavailability studies indicated that formulation 4 with drug : HPMC : NaCMC equal to 1 : 2 : 1 was similar to the marketed product Dicloran SR and showed better bioavailability than Voveran SR. A statistically significant difference was seen between Voveran SR and the other two products. A good in vitro–in vivo correlation was observed for these products.     

Formulation and Evaluation of Diclofenac Sodium Using Hydrophilic Matrices

Controlled-release tablets (having near zero-order release) of diclofenac sodium, a water-soluble drug, were prepared using hydrophilic polymers like hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), and Carbopol 934. Tablets were also prepared with mixtures of polymers of NaCMC, HPMC, and Carbopol 934. The optimum ratio of drug : HPMC : NaCMC was found to be 1 : 2 : 1. A combination of nonionic polymer HPMC and anionic NaCMC polymer matrix resulted in near zero-order release of diclofenac sodium. The results obtained were in agreement with the earlier reports. It is observed that increasing polymer content produces more sustained effect. A combination of nonionic polymer HPMC and anionic polymer NaCMC as the polymer matrix resulted in near zero-order release of diclofenac sodium. Drug release from the matrix did not follow Fick's law of diffusion and exhibited near zero-order release. Results of the bioavailability studies indicated that formulation 4 with drug : HPMC : NaCMC equal to 1 : 2 : 1 was similar to the marketed product Dicloran SR and showed better bioavailability than Voveran SR. A statistically significant difference was seen between Voveran SR and the other two products. A good in vitro-in vivo correlation was observed for these products.     

Release of Acetazolamide from Swellable Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Matrix Tablets

Controlled-release swellable tablets were prepared by a simple direct compression process using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) as the matrix former. The effects of the viscosity and concentration of the polymer and the pH of the dissolution medium on the release behavior of acetazolamide were investigated. The influence of the drug particle size was also evaluated. Ten, 15, 20, and 25% of two different viscosity grades of HPMC were dry mixed with acetazolamide, Fast Flo Lactose, and magnesium stearate, then directly compressed into tablets. The experimental tablets were tested for their drug contents, weight variations, and hardnesses. Dissolution tests were carried out under sink conditions at three different pH values: pH 1.2, 5.4, and 7.4. Release rate data were evaluated according to the equation log M/M_w = log k + n log t.     

Release of Acetazolamide from Swellable Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Matrix Tablets

Abstract

Controlled-release swellable tablets were prepared by a simple direct compression process using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) as the matrix former. The effects of the viscosity and concentration of the polymer and the pH of the dissolution medium on the release behavior of acetazolamide were investigated. The influence of the drug particle size was also evaluated. Ten, 15, 20, and 25% of two different viscosity grades of HPMC were dry mixed with acetazolamide, Fast Flo Lactose, and magnesium stearate, then directly compressed into tablets. The experimental tablets were tested for their drug contents, weight variations, and hardnesses. Dissolution tests were carried out under sink conditions at three different pH values: pH 1.2, 5.4, and 7.4. Release rate data were evaluated according to the equation log M/M_w = log k + n log t.     

A Research on Aspirin Sustained-Release Formulation

Abstract

Formulation design is a time-consuming work. Much effort has been made to simplify it by using experimental design or statistical analysis. In this work, polynomial regression and response surface methodology was used to characterize the relationship between tablet dissolution and HPMC content, and/or viscosity. The results revealed that through the combination of HPMC viscosity and content in formulation, an ideal dissolution projile could be produced. Pharmacokinetic research showed that a good linear correlation existed between absorption in vivo and dissolution in vitro. Dissolution could be used in quality controlling of aspirin sustained-release dosage forms.     

Effect of sodium bicarbonate on the properties of metronidazole floating matrix tablets

The effect of sodium bicarbonate (SB) on the swelling behavior and the sustained release of floating systems was studied with varied proportions of this excipient and metronidazole. Two polymers with different hydration characteristics, Methocel K4M and Carbopol 971P NF, were used to formulate the matrices. Under in vitro dissolution conditions, the addition of SB to metronidazole sustained-release tablets modifies the matrix hydration volume, increasing at the beginning, reaching a maximum, and then declining. Pure Carbopol matrices show a rapid hydration with a limited further effect of the SB and metronidazole loads. Methocel show a significant increase of the apparent hydration volume due to SB addition with no further notable change due to metronidazole load. Increasing the metronidazole load reduces the floating time of Carbopol matrices while no effect on Methocel matrices could be observed within 8 hours dissolution. Matrices show increasing release constant values (k) as the metronidazole load increases. Methocel matrices release the drug 10% to 15% faster than Carbopol matrices. SB increases the cumulative amount of drug released from Methocel but not that releasing from Carbopol. These results are attributed to the intrinsic polymer properties, the barrier effect of CO₂ bubbles, and the matrix volume expansion produced after addition of SB.     

Development and evaluation of dexibuprofen formulation with fast onset and prolonged effect

In the present study, in order to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble dexibuprofen, a novel dexibuprofen-loaded solid dispersion was developed using the spray-drying technique. The controlled-release dexibuprofen formulation was developed by combining the immediate-release dispersion powder and the sustained-release formula. The solid dispersion composed of dexibuprofen/poloxamer 407/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 2910 (50?cps)/sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (10/1/4/0.1?mg) was selected as the immediate-release formulation due to its increased solubility and dissolution rate. This immediate-release formulation showed a significantly higher initial plasma concentration, AUC, and C_max of dexibuprofen than those of dexibuprofen powder. Based on the prolonged effect of high plasma concentration, the formulation consisting of dexibuprofen/ethylcellulose/HPMC 2910 (4000?cps)/magnesium stearate (66/16.5/16.5/1?mg) was selected as the sustained-release formulation. Finally, the controlled-release (CR) formulation was prepared by encapsulating the immediate-release and sustained-release formulations in hard gelatin capsules. The proposed CR formulation showed enhanced AUC (5.5-fold) and C_max (3.5-fold) compared to dexibuprofen powder. The results of the present study suggest that the CR formulation containing dexibuprofen may be a potential oral dosage form for a fast onset and a prolonged effect of poorly water-soluble dexibuprofen.     

Mixing Action and Evaluation of Tablet Lubricants in Direct Compression

The effect of a series of modern lubricants during mixing on both lubricating action and binding properties of a direct compressible tablet formulation has bean investigated and compared with the effect of magnesium stearate. Lubricants which gave the best lubricating action (magnesium stearate, hydrogenated vegetable oils and glycerides) caused the largest reduction in tablet strength with an increase in. mixing time. When used in concentrations of It. the hydrogenated vegetable oils and glycerides tested gave about the same reduction of the ejection force as 0.5% magnesiun stearate, but their effect on tablet hardness during mixing was much smaller. This result was conflrmed for three direct compressible tablet formulations, composed with different excipients, where magnesium stearate could be replaced advantageously by Boeson VP or sterotex.     

Optimization of Sotalol Floating and Bioadhesive Extended Release Tablet Formulations

A novel extended release sotalol HC1 tablet formulation which possesses a unique combination of floatation and bioadhesion for prolonged residence in the stomach has been developed. Tablets were produced by direct compression. A two-factor factorial, central, composite Box-Wilson experimental design was employed to develop and optimize the tablet formulation containing 240 mg sotalol HC1. The ratio of two major bioadhesive agents, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) to hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and the ratio of two direct compressible diluents, ethylcellulose (EC) to crosspovidone, were used as formulation variables (independent variables) for optimizing tablets response parameters, such as dissolution bioadhesive capability, tablet density and required compression force for producing 6 Kg hardness tablets. The data were also analyzed by means of quadratic response surface model. Response surfaces were generated as a function of formulation variables. An optimum direct compression, bioadhesive and floating tablet formulation of sotalol HCl was achieved by considering the dissolution characteristic as primary objective and using required compression force, bioadhesive capability as constraints within the experimental region. The surface model was validated for accurate prediction of response characteristics.