ABSTRACT
Purpose: One practical method for creating sustained release dosage forms that increases patient compliance is the matrix tablet. A sustained release dosage form is intended to release the medication within at a slower, more consistent pace over an extended period of time than is often possible with traditional dose forms. This study seeks to investigate the modulatory effect of a blend of polymers on the release profile of metronidazole from sustained release matrix tablets.
Method: Melt granulation was used to make different batches (B1 – B9) of Metronidazole tablets using the Box-Behnken modelled mix of three polymers (dry okra powder, carnauba wax and Eudragit RSPM ). All of the batches powder mixes and tablets were mass produced, and were evaluated post compression (hardness, friability, weight uniformity, disintegration and dissolution) and pre compression (bulk and tapped densities, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose and Carr’s index), respectively.
Results: The powder mixture of batches exhibited bulk and tapped densities ranging from 0.61 to 0.82 and 0.46-0.68 g\cm, angle of repose between 20.4 and 23.7°, Hausner’s ratio between 0.75-0.92 and a Carr’s index between 7.8-25% respectively. The nine (9) batches exhibited consistent weight, a low standard deviation value within the B.P limits, ideal hardness values between 4.0-10.0Kgf, and friability values between 0.3-0.97percent. Additionally, they release approximately 19% of their drug content.
Conclusion: Metronidazole sustained release matrix tablets were successfully prepared with Eudragit RSPM, Okra gum powder, and Carnuba wax acting as the retarding polymer.
