Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GLIMEPIRIDE AS GASTRORETENTIVE MUCOADHESIVE TABLETS WITH NATURAL POLYMERS

Vikas Pal* and Ashutosh Badola

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Abstract

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce frequency of administration, and improve patient compliance, by developing Gastroretentive mucoadhesive tablets of Glimepiride using natural polymers such as Chitosan, Xanthan gum, gum tragacanth. Sustained release mucoadhesive tablets of Glimepiride, were developed by using different drug: polymer ratios. Combination of Chitosan, Xanthan gum, gum tragacanth was used as matrix former, the tablets were compressed by direct compression method using 7 mm flat faced punches. Compressed tablets were evaluated for uniformity of weight, content of active ingredient, friability, hardness, thickness, swelling index and in vitro dissolution using paddle method, and swelling index. All the formulations showed compliance with pharmacopoeial standards. Among these formulations, formulation containing combination of gum tragacanth, Xanthan gum, Chitosan (showed 1:3:4) sustained release of drug for 12 hours with release of 97.01 %. Optimized formulation was subjected to accelerated stability studies. Thus, gum tragacanth, Xanthan gum, Chitosan combination can be used as an effective matrix former, to extend the release of Glimepiride.

Keywords: Glimepiride, Gastro retentive, Anti-diabetic drug, Direct compression method.