Release characteristics of gliclazide in a matrix system.

Abstract

In this study, the release characteristics of gliclazide in a polymeric matrix system, which is used for controlled drug release purposes, are conducted experimentally and numerically. A code using the finite element method predicting the drug release behavior of gliclazide matrix system in an aqueous medium is developed. The parameters having significant importance in drug release kinetics, such as structure factor, the slab's size and shape are varied systematically. The consistent reduction in the solid drug during the dissolution process is evaluated. The numerical data agree well with the experimental results. Therefore, the controlled drug release of gliclazide is accurately modeled by the present numerical code. The results imply that the porosity of the matrix system has the most significant effect on the drug dissolution rate. The reduction in the tablet's diameter and utilization of cylindrical slab geometry increases the speed of the drug dissolution in the aqueous medium.