Abstract

DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS OF LORAZEPAM USING NATURAL EXCIPIENTS

Kore Sandhya*, Dr. S. B Shirsand, Pooja Kulkarni, Pooja Karadi, Shailashri S. Shirsand

ABSTRACT

In the present work an attempt has been made to enhance the safety and efficacy of drug molecule of fast dissolving tablets of Lorazepam were designed with a view to enhance patient compliance by direct compression method. In direct compression method, natural disintegrants such as mucilage of Aegele Marmelos (Bael), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame), dehydrated banana Powder were used and compared with crospovidone (CP) a synthetic superdisintegrant in different ratios and directly compressible mannitol as a diluent to enhance mouth feel. Estimation of Lorazepam in the prepared tablet formulations was carried out by extracting the drug with methanol and measuring the absorbance at 230 nm.The formulations were further evaluated for hardness, friability, drug content uniformity, in-vitro dispersion time, wetting time, water absorption ratio, in-vitro drug release, stability studies (at 40oC/ 75% relative humidity for 3 months) and drug-excipients interaction (IR spectroscopy). Four promising formulations (one from each disintegrant) were tested for in-vitro drug release pattern (in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer). Among the promising formulations, the formulation (FAM3) containing mucilage of Aegele Marmelos (Bael), has released (t50% 1.6min) compared to the conventional commercial formulation (t50% >30 min). Stability studies on the promising formulations indicated that there are no significant changes in drug content and in-vitro dispersion time (p<0.05).

Keywords: Fast dissolving tablets, Lorazepam, Aegele Marmelos, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame), dehydrated banana Powder.