Formulation of Non-effervescent Floating Dosage Form of Metronidazole using Sintering and Sublimation Technique

The aim of this study was to formulate a novel non-effervescent floating dosage form of metronidazole using the sublimation and sintering technique. Granules were formulated using the wet granulation technique. Ammonium bicarbonate (30% w/w) was incorporated as the sublimating agent. The granules were characterized for micromeritic properties. Thereafter, the granules were compressed using a single punch tableting machine and the physicotechnical properties were evaluated. The metronidazole tablet was then sintered at 70oC for 12 h. All granules were free flowing and compressible. The metronidazole tablets had no floating lag time showing that tablets floated instantaneously. FTIR and DSC studies showed that metronidazole and the excipients used in the formulation were compatible. Azadirachta indica gum was used in the formulation of non-effervescent floating dosage form of metronidazole using sublimation and sintering technique which is beneficial in sustained release formulations. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 20(1): 11-17, 2021 (June)

Preparation and scale up of extended-release tablets of bromopride

Reproducibility of the tablet manufacturing process and control of its pharmaceutics properties depends on the optimization of formulation aspects and process parameters. Computer simulation such as Design of Experiments (DOE) can be used to scale up the production of this formulation, in particular for obtaining sustained-release tablets. Bromopride formulations are marketed in the form of extended-release pellets, which makes the product more expensive and difficult to manufacture. The aim of this study was to formulate new bromopride sustained release formulations as tablets, and to develop mathematical models to standardize the scale up of this formulation, controlling weight and hardness of the tablets during manufacture according to the USP 34th edition. DOE studies were conducted using Minitab(tm) software. Different excipient combinations were evaluated in order to produce bromopride sustained-release matrix tablets. In the scale-up study, data were collected and variations in tableting machine parameters were measured. Data were processed by Minitab(tm) software, generating mathematical equations used for prediction of powder compaction behavior, according to the settings of the tableting machine suitable for scale-up purposes. Bromopride matrix tablets with appropriate characteristics for sustained release were developed. The scale-up of the formulation with the most suitable sustained release profile was established by using mathematical models, indicating that the formulation can be a substitute for the pellets currently marketed.