FORMULATION OF METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE MATRIX TABLETS BY SINTERING TECHNIQUE AND ITS EVALUATION

Metformin hydrochloride is a biguanide, which is used as an oral hypoglycemic agent. It is a white crystalline hygroscopic drug used as an antidiabetic agent specifically for type-2 diabetes mellitus. When given, a divided dose of 0.5-3 gm daily, it increases the hepatic glucose production thereby increasing the peripheral glucose uptake and utilization and shows a significant bioavailabilityabout 50-60%. Since metformin hydrochloride is widely chosen as the first line drug in the treatment of type2 DM, because of its minimal risk and maximum efficacy, the formulation of metforminhydrochloride matrix tablet was taken in to consideration. Matrix tablets reduce the frequency of dose administration, and are found to have increased patient compliance. A relatively recent techniquecalled sintering technique is involved in the formulation which aims to extend the release of metformin hydrochloride from the matrix tablets. After formulation the tablets where subjected to preformulation studies, micromeritic studies, stability studies and other tablet evaluation methods. In the present world diabetes is a haunting threat for life and so, the development of metformin hydrochloride matrix tablets paves the way to increase the quality of life.