Research: FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF FLOATING MATRIX TABLET OF RANITIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE

The objective of this research was to prepare floating matrix drug delivery system of Ranitidine hydrochloride. Floating matrix tablets of Ranitidine hydrochloride were developed to prolong gastric residence time and increase its bioavailability. Rapid gastrointestinal transit could result in incomplete drug release from the drug delivery system above the absorption zone leading to diminished efficacy of the administered dose. Floating matrix tablets of Ranitidine were developed using different effervescent salts and polymer combinations. The tablets were prepared by direct compression technique, using polymers such as hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K4M), Carbopol 934 in combination. Sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, stearic acid was incorporated as a gas-generating agent. The effects of citric acid and stearic acid on drug release profile and floating properties were investigated. The addition of stearic acid reduced the drug dissolution due to its hydrophobic nature. The formulation was optimized on the basis of acceptable tablet properties, floating lag time, total duration of floating and in-vitro drug release. The results of dissolution studies, floating lag time indicated that formulations F10 exhibited good and controlled drug release. Applying the linear regression analysis and model fitting showed the selected formulation F10 showed diffusion coupled with erosion drug release mechanism, followed zero order kinetics. Optimized floating matrix tablets F10 showed no change in physical appearance, drug content, or in dissolution pattern after storage at 40°C, relative humidity 75% for a period of 3 months.