Formulation, Characterisation and Evaluation of Controlled Release Matrix Tablets of a Model Antiviral Drug

摘要

The objective of the study was to formulate and evaluate orally administered controlled release matrix tablets of acyclovir to improve patient compliance, lessen frequency of administration, and increase therapeutic efficacy. The formulations (F1–F8) were prepared by direct compression technique using different hydrophilic polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K15, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100, eudragit RSPO, and ethyl cellulose. The compressed matrix tablets were evaluated for precompression parameters such as thickness, diameter, friability, hardness, weight variation, drug content, in-vitro dissolution study and release kinetics. The promised formulation elected based on the precompression parameters, in-vitro studies and release kinetics was further subjected to swelling index and stability studies by standard procedure. Mathematical analysis of release kinetics specified that the matrix tablets followed diffusion mechanism followed by non-Fickian transport. The results obtained from in-vitro studies showed that formulation F4 with 200 mg of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100 exhibited better drug release compared to other formulations. Optimized F4 formulation did not show significant difference in color, hardness, swelling index, and release data.