Abstract

FORMULATION DESIGN AND IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF ETODOLAC EXTENDED RELEASE TABLETS BY DIRECT COMPRESSION METHOD

Arun Kumar Arumugarajan*, G. Geetha and Bhabani Shankar Nayak

ABSTRACT

Background: Extended release formulations are becoming more popular day by day for the delivery of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because of their ability to maintain optimal and therapeutically effective drug levels for prolonged duration with reduction in dosing frequency and side effects associated with NSAIDs. Aims: The present study attempted to develop extended release tablets of a model NSAID drug, Etodolac using natural polymer. Materials and Methodology: Etodolac matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression method using xanthan gum in different ratios as release rate controlling polymer. The granules were evaluated for flow properties by evaluating bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio and angle of repose. The tablets were evaluated for drug polymer compatibility study by FTIR, diameter, weight variation test, hardness, friability, disintegration test, in vitro drug release, release kinetics and stability studies. Results and Discussions:The FTIR study revealed that no such interactions being taking place in between drug and polymers. The flow property of granules of all tablet batches was found to be good. All the tablet formulations had good tablet physiochemical properties. In vitro release data showed dependence of release kinetics on different percent of drug to polymer in cross-linked matrix systems. Conclusion: From the results of in vitro study, it was concluded that Etodolac matrix tablet containing xanthan gum (11.0 %) provided most controlled release of water soluble Etodolac over extended period of time with aid of greater stability.

Keywords: NSAIDS, Etodolac, matrix tablet, direct compression, rate controlling polymers.