FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ORAL CONTROLLED RELEASE DOSAGE FORM OF ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE AGENT

The aim of present investigation is preparation, characterization and evaluation of oral controlled release matrix tablets of Propranolol HCl in order to improve efficacy and to reduce the side effects. Tablets were prepared by direct compression method using different polymers like Guar gum, HPMC K4M, PVP and MCC used as the directly compressible vehicle. The granules were evaluated for pre-formulation characteristics and the tablets were subjected to post compression parameters, drug content and in-vitro dissolution release studies. In-vitro dissolution studies were carried out for 12 hrs and the results showed that among the nine formulations F8 and F9 showed good dissolution profile to control the drug release respectively. The drug release follows first order kinetics and the mechanism was found to be diffusion controlled for all the formulations (except F-9). The mechanism of drug release from F-9 was diffusion coupled with erosion. The Stability studies were carried out according to ICH guideline which indicates that the selected formulations (F8 and F9) were stable. In conclusion the results suggest that the developed matrix tablets of Propranolol HCl could perform therapeutically better than conventional dosage form, leading to improved efficacy and better patient compliance.