Formulation and Characterization of Dispersible Tablets of Cefpodoxime Proxetil: A Cephalosporin Antibiotic

The objective was to formulate rapid dispersible tablets of Cefpodoxime Proxetil using various types of superdisintegrants viz., Croscarmellose sodium (CCS), Sodium starch glycolate (SSG) and Crospovidone (CP) in varied concentrations (1-5%). The model drug for current investigation, Cefpodoxime Proxetil, a broad spectrum third generation Cephalosporin antibiotic belongs to BCS class IV. The preformulation studies were accomplished by determining the compatibility of model drug with respective excipients by FTIR studies. These studies, revealed no chemical interaction of excipients with the model drug. The formulation development was achieved in phases comprising of preliminary screening, pre-optimization and optimization studies. The bitter taste of model drug was masked by addition of flavors and sweeteners to make it pleasant for pediatric patients upon oral administration. The formulations (F1-F6) were prepared by direct compression method. The percent released from all formulations showed release of more than 90% of drug within 30 min with drug content of more than 95%. The study showed that formulation containing CCS as superdisintegrants furnished best results. Formulation F5 showed maximum (99.6%) drug release within 30 minutes which is prerequisite for dispersible tablets. It also possessed a rapid release of drug from the formulation. The F5 formulation showed comparative dissolution profile vis-a-vis a commercialized formulation. The study concluded that dispersible tablets of Cefpodoxime Proxetil can be an alternative to conventional dosage form for the treatment of urinary tract infection, skin infection, and upper respiratory tract infections.