Formulation and in-vitro evaluation of Tramadol HCl multi-particulate floating tablets

Abstract

The present study designed to prepare a gastro-retentive floating extended release tablets of tramadol were formulated, characterized and evaluated for in vitro performance. Tramadol Hydrochloride is a synthetic opioid analgesic drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol is a highly soluble drug, half-life 6 hours and oral dose is 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours. The pellets were prepared by using various release retard polymers like HPMC K 15M, Kollidon SR, Carbopol 971 P in different ratios, and gas generate agent like sodium bicarbonate. The pellets are compressed in to tablets; the tablets are evaluated for physical parameters like weight variation, friability, hardness, disintegration test, dissolution test, buoyancy test, buoyancy lag time and total floating time. The release mechanism were explored and explained with zero order, first order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer equations. The drug release mechanism was found fickian type in most of the formulations. Formulation F12 selected as best formulations, drug release of 98.71% in a period of 24 h. Tablets followed zero order kinetics and non-fickian diffusion. The effervescent based floating tablet of Tramadol could be a promising approach to increase its gastric residence time up to 24 h.