Abstract

EPITOMIZATION OF MATRIX MINI-TABLETS BY USING NATURAL POLYMERS FOR COLON SPECIFIC CHRONOTHERAPEUTIC DRUG DELIVERY

Sandeep Pasunooti*, Rahul Shukla and Venkanna Pasham

ABSTRACT

In the present study formulation of multiparticulate matrix mini-tablets filled capsule of meloxicam as a active drug targeting to the colon by using different proportion of microbial degraded natural polymers (Guar gum, Xanthan gum, Chitosan) and pH dependent polymer (Eudragit S-100) as a enteric coating material. Pre and post compression of all the formulations for subjected to various evaluation parameters, were passed all the tests among that F5 formulation was found to be optimized as it retarded the drug release up to 12 hrs, but uncoated mini-tablets fails to retard the drug release in the upper GI tract whereas, mini-tablets coated with pH dependent polymer released tiny amounts. So, it was further enteric coated with Eudragit S 100 in cumulative ratio and formulated the formulations F7 to F10. Apart from F8 showed maximum drug release after lag time up to 24hrs, in-vitro drug release study indicated that matrix mini-tablets treated with 4% w/v of rat caecal contents obtained after 7days pretreatment further (15%) increased in drug release were observed, because of microbial degradation. Therefore matrix mini-tablets of natural and synthetic polymer combination releases drug slowly to maintain drug concentration in the body whereas use combination of polymers was found very effective in targeting to the colon. It follows all the kinetic mechanisms; FT-IR data indicated that there is no possible interaction between drug and excipients.

Keywords: Meloxicam, Multiparticulate matrix mini-tablets, Eudragit S100, Guar gum, Xanthan gum, Chitosan.