Preparation and Evaluation of Rapidly Disintegrating Glimepiride Tablets
The objective of this work was to prepare Glimepiride (1 mg) rapidly disintegrating tablets (RDT) by direct compression, and also, to evaluate Pharmaburst™ as a newly introduced diluent for this type of tablets, either alone or in combination with other well known tablet excipients. Another goal was to study the stability, as well as, the in vivo effects of selected formulations. Orange flavor was the most preferred flavor for the prepared rapidly disintegrating tablets containing Pharmaburst™ as a single diluent. Pharmaburst™ alone is sufficient to produce rapidly (orally) disintegrating tablets of Glimepiride with good physical characteristics, better compactability and shorter in-vivo and in-vitro disintegration time. The prepared Glimepiride RDT were found to have faster onset of action than the conventional Glimepiride tablets. Also, they were effective in lowering fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) in rabbits. Glimepiride RDT containing Pharmaburst™ alone were found to be stable when subjected to accelerated stability conditions (40 °C / 75 % relative humidity) for at least 3 months. Packaging the prepared Glimepiride RDT in 40 CC high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles with 2 grams silica gel desiccant canisters and rayon had provided sufficient protection for the tablets. The used packaging system is believed to be very practical and convenient for elderly diabetic patients. It is also assumed to be preferred by the manufacturers.