Formulation design and in vitro characterization of etodolac extended release tablets prepared by wet granulation method

Abstract

The most prominent advantages of extended release formulations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are their ability to maintain optimal and therapeutically effective drug levels for prolonged duration with reduction in dosing frequency and side effects associated with NSAIDs. The objective of the present study to develop matrix tablets for extended release of a model NSAID drug, Etodolac. Etodolac control release tablets were prepared by wet granulation method using xanthan gum in different ratios as release rate controlling polymers. The granules were evaluated for flow properties by evaluating Carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio and angle of repose. The tablets were evaluated for drug polymer compatibility study by FTIR, weight variation test, hardness, friability, disintegration test, drug release, release kinetics and stability studies. The FTIR study revealed that no such interactions being taking place in between drug and polymers. The flow property of granules of all tablet batches was found to be good. Tablet formulations exhibited satisfactory drug release. All the tablet formulations had good tablet physiochemical properties. It could be concluded that Etodolac matrix tablet containing xanthan gum (11.0 %) provided most controlled release of water soluble Etodolac over extended period of time.