The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of polymers for masking the taste of bitter drugs when incorporated into orally disintegrating tablets. The tablets were produced by simple wet granulation technique with a model compound (baclofen) which is moderately bitter. The formulating procedure had two variables to obtain good taste masking with desirable characteristics. The optimal granulation process parameters were polymer selection and its concentration (w/w), suitable for pilot scale level. Dextrates, β- cyclodextrin, eudragit EPO and PVP K-30 were used in preparation of granules by using water and iso-propyl alcohol. Crospovidone was used intra and extra granularly as superdisintegrant. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were used as effervescent for fast disintegration of tablets, which also optionally act as desensitizer of taste buds. Results from evaluation of tablets indicated a disintegration time (avg) of 30-35 sec and 100% drug release was achieved within 5 min. But taste masking was achieved by only with eudragit EPO. Results from an evaluation by a panel of six human volunteers demonstrated that the orally disintegrating tablets which are prepared by using polymer Eudragit EPO (5% and 7.5% w/w of tablet) and PVP (7.5% w/w of tablet) improved taste, significantly. On studying physical parameters, F9 formulation demonstrated acceptable level of hardness and friability with good taste masking and it was thus considered as an optimized formulation
