FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF SALBUTAMOL SULPHATE AND THEOPHYLLINE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS USING MODIFIED POLYMERS
Objective: The main objective of this research work was to design, prepare and evaluate extended release (ER) tablets of anti-asthmatic drugs (salbutamol sulphate and theophylline) by direct compression method using diverse ratios of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K100M) and ethyl cellulose (EC) along with some other excipients.Methods: Extended-release matrix tablets of salbutamol sulphate and theophylline were successfully fabricated by direct compression method and coded the formulations as F1 to F7 depending on the ratios of modified polymers. The core tablets composed of hydrophilic polymers of various ratios that allow the discharge of drugs at a controlled rate after coming in contact with the aqueous medium. The designed tablets were subjected to various assessment parameters i.e. friability test, hardness test, drug content consistency and In vitro dissolution tests.Results: Prepared formulations were subjected to various assessment parameters and the findings obtained were within the prescribed limit. To perform the in vitro drug dissolution tests of fabricated tablets, the calibration plots of pure drugs using various solvents i.e. 0.1N HCl, phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and distilled water were plotted. Dosage forms F1-F7 containing ethyl cellulose and HPMC K100M in various concentration demonstrates the prolonged medications discharge for up to 8 h, among these formulations, F6 shows 95.32±0.24 % for salbutamol sulphate and 94.19±0.39 % for theophylline release at the end of 8 h. This finding reveals that a particular window of concentrations of ethylcellulose and HPMC K100M was capable of providing prolonged drugs discharge.Conclusion: The results obtained in this research work clearly showed a promising potential of extended-release tablets containing a specific ratio of HPMC K100M and ethylcellulose as a release rate controlling polymers for effective treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).