FLOATING TABLETS AS A CONTROLLED RELEASE STOMACH TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM OF DILTIAZEM HYDROCHLORIDE

Abstract

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a potent calcium channel blocker which is freely soluble in water and readily absorbed from stomach. The present investigation was concerned with the development and evaluation of a gastro retentive drug delivery system of Diltiazem hydrochloride in the form of floating matrix tablets, to control the release of the drug. A 23 factorial design was followed to formulate Diltiazem hydrochloride floating tablets. Experiments were built using three independent factors, namely, drug/polymer ratio potassium bicarbonate concentration and citric acid concentration each at two levels leading to 24 formulae. The data of chosen responses, namely floating duration, floating lag time, t50% and t80%, were analyzed according to the established factorial design. The results were analyzed statistically. The ANOVA was performed and the main effects and interactions were calculated. The three polymers used were hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose and sodium alginate. It was found generally that for all three polymers used the increase in the drug/polymer ratio, potassium carbonate concentration or citric acid concentration increased the t50% and t80% indicating that the formulated floating tablets succeeded in retardation of Diltiazem hydrochloride and thus controlling its release.