Novel Ternary Polymeric Blends for Controlled Release Matrices Containing Weakly Basic Model Drug.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a novel matrix tablet formulation made of ternary mixture of smart polymers comprised of Eudragit®E100, Eudragit®L100, and sodium alginate to sustain the release of a weakly basic drug Metronidazole. Recent patents on Metronidazole controlled/sustained release matrices include US7790755, US8784885, US8628797 and US7476403. Matrix tablets formulations were prepared by either direct compression or by wet granulation. Dissolution studies were conducted using USP XXΠ rotating paddle apparatus at paddle speed of 50 rpm, and dissolution medium temperature at 37°C using three different consecutive stages (pH 1.2, 4.8 and 6.8). Tablets made of low to intermediate proportions of sodium alginate and an approximately equal proportions of Eudragit®E100 and Eudragit®L100 were found to have significant modification of Metronidazole release rates. Thus, indicating a potential for controlling the drug release for 12 hours depending on polymers ratios in the formulation. The ratio of sodium alginate to total Eudragit® polymers and the ratio of Eudragit®E100 to Eudragit®L100within the ternary polymeric composition were found critical in determining the controlled release performance. Swelling and water uptake studies were conducted to evaluate sustainability of the formulated matrix tablets in the dissolution media. Results were in agreement with the dissolution behaviors of the tablets where maximum swelling and water upt...
Source: Recent Patents on Drug Delivery and Formulation - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Recent Pat Drug Deliv Formul Source Type: research