Design, Development and Evaluation of Extended Release Tablets of Anti-asthmatic Agents using various Polymers

The aim of this investigation was to define and assess Salbutamol sulphate and Theophylline framework tablets, prolonged discharge dosage form, for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Powder blends of the drugs (Salbutamol sulphate and Theophylline) and polymers (HPMC K100M and Xanthan Gum) were evaluated for loose bulk density, tapped bulk density, compressibility index and angle of repose which shows satisfactory results. The direct compression method was used for the preparation of Extended-release tablets using hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K100M), a semi-synthetic polymer, and xanthan gum(a natural polymer) in changing ratios keeping the total weight 250 mg for each tablet. The fabricated tablets were then evaluated for various physical tests like diameter, thickness, uniformity of weight, hardness, friability and drug content. The results of all these tests were found to be satisfactory as per guidelines mentioned in the standards. The in-vitro dissolution study was carried out for 24 hours using type II dissolution apparatus. Among all the formulation, F7 shows 97.16 ±0.59 % of drug release at the end of 12 hours. This finding reveals that above a particular concentration of HPMC K100M and xanthan gum are capable of providing extended drug release from the dosage form.