Design and Evaluation of a Two-Layer Floating Tablet for Gastric Retention Using Cisapride as a Model Drug

A new kind of two-layer floating tablet for gastric retention (TFTGR) with cisapride as a model drug was developed. The in vitro drug release was determined, and the resultant buoyancy and the time-buoyancy curve were plotted. Because of the sodium bicarbonate added to the floating layer, when immersed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) the tablet expands and rises to the surface, where the drug is gradually released. The in vitro drug release of this kind of two-layer dosage was controlled by the amount of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) in the drug-loading layer. Generally, the more HPMC, the slower the drug releases. Because cisapride has greater solubility in SGF than simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), its in vitro drug dissolution in SGF is faster than in SIF. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this kind of tablet is the separate regulation of buoyancy and drug release. The idea developed in this experiment can be used as a general model for the design of other tablets for gastric retention.     

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.     

pH-Controlled drug release from mesoporous silica tablets coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate

A simple pH-controlled drug release system was successfully prepared by coating pH-sensitive polymer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) on drug-loaded mesoporous SBA-15 tablet. Using famotidine (Famo) as a model drug, the effects of coating times and drying temperature on drug release were studied in detail to optimize the drug release system. In simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2), it took only 2 h for Famo to be completely released from mesoporous silica tablet without HPMCP coating. Also in SGF, with the increase of coating times and drying temperature, the release of Famo was greatly delayed by HPMCP coating. For the tablet with twice coating of HPMCP and dried at 80 °C, only 4.0 wt.% of Famo could be released within 4 h. However, in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.4), HPMCP coating did not show obvious effect on the release of Famo.     

Dried Molasses as a Direct Compression Matrix for Oral Controlled Release Drug Delivery II: Release Mechanism and Characteristics of Theophylline from a Molasses-Hpmc Matrix

Investigation was conducted to evaluate dried molasses as a direct compression matrix for oral controlled release drug delivery system based on its tendency to form a gel-like layer around an inner dry core tablet when it comes in contact with fluid. Dried molasses matrix was modified by incorporation of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) at four concentration levels (12.5, 15.0, 20.0 and 28.57%) to obtain a gel layer of suitable characteristics, and compressed directly on an instrumented rotary tablet press. Theophylline was used as a model drug. Drug release study was performed using USP dissolution apparatus 2, rotated at 20 rpm, in distilled water, simulated gastric fluid pH 1.2, and simulated intestinal fluid pH 7.5. Theopylline was determined by a High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic method, utilizing beta-hydroxyethyl theophylline (BHET) as an internal standard. Results showed an inverse relationship between the rate of release and the level of HPMC, with release period ranging from 3 to 36 hours. Releases rate was greatest in intestinal fluid, least in distilled water, and intermediate in gastric fluid.     

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.     

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.     

Zero-order release of theophylline from a core-in-cup tablet in sequenced simulated gastric and intestinal fluid

Core-in-cup tablets containing theophylline were evaluated for their dissolution characteristics in sequenced simulated gastric fluid (SGF) followed by simulated intestinalfluid (SIF). Core-in-cup tablets containing 10% w/w, 20% w/w, and 30% w/w acacia as binder were evaluated for their effects on the time course of release of theophylline. This was done to optimize a formula that could release theophylline at a zero-order rate of release for 8-16 hr in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Theophylline was released and dissolved from the core-in-cup tablets at a rate that is more consistent with a zero-order dissolution rate than a first-order dissolution rate in both SIG and SIF. The dissolution rates of theophylline from the 10%, 20%, and 30% acacia core-in-cup tablets were 0.87 mg/min, 0.53 mg/min, and 0.27 mg/min, respectively in SGF, and 0.61 mg/min, 0.30 mg/min, and 0.20 mg/min, respectively in SIF. The results indicate that a concentration of 32% w/w acacia in the core tablet will release theophylline at a rate of 0.14 mg/min in SGF for 2 hr followed by SIF for 10 hr.     

Dried Molasses as a Direct Compression Matrix for Oral Controlled Release Drug Delivery II: Release Mechanism and Characteristics of Theophylline from a Molasses-Hpmc Matrix

Abstract

Investigation was conducted to evaluate dried molasses as a direct compression matrix for oral controlled release drug delivery system based on its tendency to form a gel-like layer around an inner dry core tablet when it comes in contact with fluid. Dried molasses matrix was modified by incorporation of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) at four concentration levels (12.5, 15.0, 20.0 and 28.57%) to obtain a gel layer of suitable characteristics, and compressed directly on an instrumented rotary tablet press. Theophylline was used as a model drug. Drug release study was performed using USP dissolution apparatus 2, rotated at 20 rpm, in distilled water, simulated gastric fluid pH 1.2, and simulated intestinal fluid pH 7.5. Theopylline was determined by a High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic method, utilizing beta-hydroxyethyl theophylline (BHET) as an internal standard. Results showed an inverse relationship between the rate of release and the level of HPMC, with release period ranging from 3 to 36 hours. Releases rate was greatest in intestinal fluid, least in distilled water, and intermediate in gastric fluid.     

Oral controlled release formulation for highly water-soluble drugs: drug--sodium alginate--xanthan gum--zinc acetate matrix

An oral controlled release formulation matrix for highly water-soluble drugs was designed and developed to achieve a 24-hour release profile. Using ranitidine HCl as a model drug, sodium alginate formulation matrices containing xanthan gum or zinc acetate or both were investigated. The caplets for these formulations were prepared by direct compression and the in vitro release tests were carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH7.5) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH1.2). The release of the drug in the sodium alginate formulation containing only xanthan gum completed within 12 hours in the SIF, while the drug release in the sodium alginate formulation containing only zinc acetate finished almost within 2 hours in the same medium. Only the sodium alginate formulation containing both xanthan gum and zinc acetate achieved a 24-hour release profile, either in the SIF or in the pH change medium. In the latter case, the caplet released in the SGF for 2 hours was immediately transferred into the SIF to continue the release test. The results showed that the presence of both xanthan gum and zinc acetate in sodium alginate matrix played a key role in controlling the drug release for 24 hours. The helical structure and high viscosity of xanthan gum might prevent zinc ions from diffusing out of the ranitidine HCl-sodium alginate-xanthan gum-zinc acetate matrix so that zinc ions could react with sodium alginate to form zinc alginate precipitate with a cross-linking structure. The cross-linking structure might control a highly water-soluble drug to release for 24 hours. Evaluation of the release data showed the release mechanism for the novel formulation might be attributed to the diffusion of the drug.     

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.     

Sustained release characteristics of tablets prepared with mixed matrix of sodium carrageenan and chitosan: effect of polymer weight ratio, dissolution medium, and drug type

The interpolymeric complexation of carrageenan and chitosan was investigated for its effect on drug release from polymeric matrices in comparison to single polymers. For this purpose, matrices with carrageenan: chitosan (CG:CS) ratios of 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% were prepared at 1:1 drug to polymer ratio. The effect of dissolution medium and drug type on drug release from the formulations was addressed. Two model drugs were utilized: diltiazem HCl (DZ) as a salt of a basic drug and diclofenac Na (DS) as a salt of an acidic drug. Three dissolution media were used: water, simulated gastric fluid (SGF), and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Some combinations of the two polymers showed remarkable sustained release effect on DZ in comparison to the single polymers in water and SGF. However, no apparent effect for the combination on DZ release was shown in SIF. The medium effect was explained by the necessity of chitosan ionization, which could be attained by the acidic SGF or microacidic environment created by the used acidic salt of DZ in water, but not in SIF. An interaction between the medium type and CG:CS ratio was also found. With DS, the polymer combinations had similar dissolution profiles to those of the single polymers in water and SIF, which was explained by the lack of chitosan ionization by the medium or the drug basic salt. The dissolution profiles could not be obtained in SGF, which was attributed to the conversion of DS into diclofenac free acid. The importance of chitosan ionization for its interaction with CG to have an effect on the release of DS was demonstrated by performing dissolution of SGF presoaked tablets of DS in SIF, which showed an effect of combining the two polymers on sustaining the drug release.     

Oral Controlled Release Formulation for Highly Water‐Soluble Drugs: Drug–Sodium Alginate–Xanthan Gum–Zinc Acetate Matrix

An oral controlled release formulation matrix for highly water‐soluble drugs was designed and developed to achieve a 24‐hour release profile. Using ranitidine HCl as a model drug, sodium alginate formulation matrices containing xanthan gum or zinc acetate or both were investigated. The caplets for these formulations were prepared by direct compression and the in vitro release tests were carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH7.5) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH1.2). The release of the drug in the sodium alginate formulation containing only xanthan gum completed within 12 hours in the SIF, while the drug release in the sodium alginate formulation containing only zinc acetate finished almost within 2 hours in the same medium. Only the sodium alginate formulation containing both xanthan gum and zinc acetate achieved a 24‐hour release profile, either in the SIF or in the pH change medium. In the latter case, the caplet released in the SGF for 2 hours was immediately transferred into the SIF to continue the release test. The results showed that the presence of both xanthan gum and zinc acetate in sodium alginate matrix played a key role in controlling the drug release for 24 hours. The helical structure and high viscosity of xanthan gum might prevent zinc ions from diffusing out of the ranitidine HCl–sodium alginate–xanthan gum–zinc acetate matrix so that zinc ions could react with sodium alginate to form zinc alginate precipitate with a cross‐linking structure. The cross‐linking structure might control a highly water‐soluble drug to release for 24 hours. Evaluation of the release data showed the release mechanism for the novel formulation might be attributed to the diffusion of the drug.     

Hydration,Erosion, and Release Behavior of Guar-Based Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets Containing Total Alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides

It is a challenge to deliver water-soluble drug based on hydrophilic matrix to colon because of swelling and erosion of polysaccharides in contact with media. In our study, guar-based hydrophilic matrix tablets containing water-soluble total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides prepared by wet granulation technique were evaluated. A novel method was established to investigate the changes of swelling and volume for guar-based tablets in undynamic state, which generally showed a rapid swelling and volume change in the first 9 h, then the hydrated speed slowed down. On the other hand, the influence of different pH of the media on water uptake and erosion of various guar-based formulations in dynamic state indicated that the hydrated constants in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) was higher than that in SIF, which followed varied mechanism of water penetration by fitting Davidson and Peppas model. The extent of erosion was between 22.4 and 32.6% in SIF within 360 min. In vitro sophoridine release studies in successive different mimicking media showed that the guar matrix tablets released 13.5–25.6% of sophoridine in the first 6 h; therefore it was necessary to develop the bilayer matrix tablet by direct-compressing coating 100 mg guar granula on core tablet. The initial release of coated tablet was retarded and the bilayer matrix tablet was suitable for colon target.     

Development of polysaccharide-based colon targeted drug delivery systems for the treatment of amoebiasis

The main focus of this study is to develop colon targeted drug delivery systems for metronidazole (MTZ). Tablets were prepared using various polysaccharides or indigenously developed graft copolymer of methacrylic acid with guar gum (GG) as a carrier. Various polysaccharides such as GG, xanthan gum, pectin, carrageenan, β-cyclodextrin (CD) or methacrylic acid-g-guar (MAA-g-GG) gum have been selected and evaluated. The prepared tablets were tested in vitro for their suitability as colon-specific drug delivery systems. To further improve the colon specificity, some selected tablet formulations were enteric coated with Eudragit-L 100 to give protection in an acidic environment. Drug release studies were performed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for 2 hr followed by simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) at pH 7.4. The dissolution data demonstrate that the rate of drug release is dependent upon the nature and concentration of polysaccharide/polymer used in the formulations. Uncoated tablets containing xanthan gum or mixture of xanthan gum with graft copolymer showed 30-40% drug release during the initial 4-5 hr, whereas for tablets containing GG with the graft copolymer, it was 70%. After enteric coating, the release was drastically reduced to 18-24%. The other polysaccharides were unable to protect drug release under similar conditions. Preparations with xanthan gum as a matrix showed the time-dependent release behavior. Further, in vitro release was performed in the dissolution media with rat caecal contents. Results indicated an enhanced release when compared to formulations studied in dissolution media without rat caecal contents, because of microbial degradation or polymer solubilization. The nature of drug transport was found to be non-Fickian in case of uncoated formulations, whereas for the coated formulations, it was found to be super-Case-II. Statistical analyses of release data indicated that MTZ release is significantly affected by the nature of the polysaccharide used and enteric coating of the tablet. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated the presence of crystalline nature of drug in the formulations.     

Stimuli-responsive bacterial cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) hydrogels for oral controlled release drug delivery

This study evaluated the potential of stimuli-responsive bacterial cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) hydrogels as oral controlled-release drug delivery carriers. Hydrogels were synthesized by graft copolymerization of the monomers onto bacterial cellulose (BC) fibers by using a microwave irradiation technique. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the grafting. XRD showed that the crystallinity of BC was reduced by grafting, whereas an increase in the thermal stability profile was observed in TGA. SEM showed that the hydrogels exhibited a highly porous morphology, which is suitable for drug loading. The hydrogels demonstrated a pH-responsive swelling behavior, with decreased swelling in acidic media, which increased with increase in pH of the media, reaching maximum swelling at pH 7. The release profile of the hydrogels was investigated in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). The hydrogels showed lesser release in SGF than in SIF, suggesting that hydrogels may be suitable drug carriers for oral controlled release of drug delivery in the lower gastrointestinal tract.     

Chitosan-Alginate Multilayer Beads for Gastric Passage and Controlled Intestinal Release of Protein

Abstract

Chitosan-alginate beads loaded with a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated to explore the temporary protection of protein against acidic and enzymatic degradation during gastric passage. Optimum conditions were established for preparation of homogenous, spherical, and smooth chitosan-alginate beads loaded with BSA. Multilayer beads were prepared by additional treatment with either chitosan or alginate or both. The presence of chitosan in the coagulation bath during bead preparation resulted in increased entrapment of BSA. During incubation in simulated gastric fluid (SGF pH 1.2), the beads showed swelling and started to float but did not show any sign of erosion. Inclusion of pepsin in the gastric fluid did not show a further effect on the properties of the beads. Release studies were done in simulated gastric fluid (SGF pH 1.2) and subsequently in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF pH 7.5) to mimic the physiological gastrointestinal conditions. After transfer to intestinal fluid, the beads were found to erode, burst, and release the protein. Microscopic and macroscopic observations confirmed that the release of protein was brought about by the burst of beads. Chitosan-reinforced calcium-alginate beads showed delay in the release of BSA. The multilayer beads disintegrated very slowly. The enzymes pepsin and pancreatin did not change the characteristics of BSA-loaded chitosan-alginate beads. Single layer chitosan-alginate beads released 80–90% of the model protein within 12 h while multilayer beads released only 40–50% in the same period of time. The release from chitosan-alginate beads and multilayer beads in SIF was further delayed without prior incubation in SGF. It is concluded that alginate beads reinforced with chitosan offer an excellent perspective for controlled gastrointestinal passage of protein drugs.     

Poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogels for pH dependent colon targeted drug delivery

Oral drug administration is convenient with pH dependent drug delivery system since the drug has to pass through different pH environments in gastro intestinal (GI) tract. The pH dependent swelling/shrinking behavior of hydrogel drug carrier controls the drug release without affecting the function of drug. pH dependent hydrogels of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by cross linking with maleic acid (MA). The hydrogels were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, DSC, porosimetry, SEM, TEM, biocompatibility study and by measuring their swelling behavior in water, simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and intestinal fluid (SIF). Swelling of the hydrogels was found to be highest in SIF (pH: 7.5) and lowest in SGF (pH: 1.2) resembling that required in colon targeted drug delivery systems. Since the swelling behavior of the gel is pH dependent, these hydrogels were studied for colon targeted drug delivery in an in-vitro set-up resembling the condition of GI tract. The ratio of PVA and MA in the hydrogel was varied to study the effect on the drug diffusion rate. For drug delivery study, vitamin B12 and salicylic acid were used as model drugs. The hydrogel, loaded with model drugs vitamin B12 and salicylic acid also demonstrated colon specific drug release with a relatively higher drug release in SIF (pH: 7.5) than that in SGF (pH: 1.2).     

Chitosan-alginate multilayer beads for gastric passage and controlled intestinal release of protein

Chitosan-alginate beads loaded with a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated to explore the temporary protection of protein against acidic and enzymatic degradation during gastric passage. Optimum conditions were established for preparation of homogenous, spherical, and smooth chitosan-alginate beads loaded with BSA. Multilayer beads were prepared by additional treatment with either chitosan or alginate or both. The presence of chitosan in the coagulation bath during bead preparation resulted in increased entrapment of BSA. During incubation in simulated gastric fluid (SGF pH 1.2), the beads showed swelling and started to float but did not show any sign of erosion. Inclusion of pepsin in the gastric fluid did not show a further effect on the properties of the beads. Release studies were done in simulated gastric fluid (SGF pH 1.2) and subsequently in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF pH 7.5) to mimic the physiological gastrointestinal conditions. After transfer to intestinal fluid, the beads were found to erode, burst, and release the protein. Microscopic and macroscopic observations confirmed that the release of protein was brought about by the burst of beads. Chitosan-reinforced calcium-alginate beads showed delay in the release of BSA. The multilayer beads disintegrated very slowly. The enzymes pepsin and pancreatin did not change the characteristics of BSA-loaded chitosan-alginate beads. Single layer chitosan-alginate beads released 80-90% of the model protein within 12 h while multilayer beads released only 40-50% in the same period of time. The release from chitosan-alginate beads and multilayer beads in SIF was further delayed without prior incubation in SGF. It is concluded that alginate beads reinforced with chitosan offer an excellent perspective for controlled gastrointestinal passage of protein drugs.     

Development of Polysaccharide-Based Colon Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Amoebiasis

ABSTRACT

The main focus of this study is to develop colon targeted drug delivery systems for metronidazole (MTZ). Tablets were prepared using various polysaccharides or indigenously developed graft copolymer of methacrylic acid with guar gum (GG) as a carrier. Various polysaccharides such as GG, xanthan gum, pectin, carrageenan, β-cyclodextrin (CD) or methacrylic acid-g-guar (MAA-g-GG) gum have been selected and evaluated. The prepared tablets were tested in vitro for their suitability as colon-specific drug delivery systems. To further improve the colon specificity, some selected tablet formulations were enteric coated with Eudragit-L 100 to give protection in an acidic environment. Drug release studies were performed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for 2 hr followed by simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) at pH 7.4. The dissolution data demonstrate that the rate of drug release is dependent upon the nature and concentration of polysaccharide/polymer used in the formulations. Uncoated tablets containing xanthan gum or mixture of xanthan gum with graft copolymer showed 30–40% drug release during the initial 4–5 hr, whereas for tablets containing GG with the graft copolymer, it was 70%. After enteric coating, the release was drastically reduced to 18–24%. The other polysaccharides were unable to protect drug release under similar conditions. Preparations with xanthan gum as a matrix showed the time-dependent release behavior. Further, in vitro release was performed in the dissolution media with rat caecal contents. Results indicated an enhanced release when compared to formulations studied in dissolution media without rat caecal contents, because of microbial degradation or polymer solubilization. The nature of drug transport was found to be non-Fickian in case of uncoated formulations, whereas for the coated formulations, it was found to be super-Case-II. Statistical analyses of release data indicated that MTZ release is significantly affected by the nature of the polysaccharide used and enteric coating of the tablet. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated the presence of crystalline nature of drug in the formulations.