Influence of Prunus domestica gum on the release profiles of propranolol HCl floating tablets

Abstract

Propranolol hydrochloride is a beta-blocker used for the management and treatment of hypertension, angina, coronary artery disease, heart failure, fibrillation, tremors, migraine etc. The objective of the present study was to design Propranolol Hydrochloride floating tablets by direct compression method and to explore the role of a new gum as a matrix former. A 22 full factorial design was selected for the present study. Prunus domestica gum and HPMC (K4M) were used as independent variables, swelling index and drug dissolution at 12 hours as dependent variables. Formulations were subjected to pre- and post-compression tests that showed good micromeritics and buoyancy characteristics (Carr’s index 11.76%–14.00%, Hausner’s ratio 1.13°–1.16°, angle of repose 22.67°–25.21°, floating lag time 56–76 seconds, total floating time 18–25 hours and swelling index 59.87%–139.66%). The cumulative drug release in 0.1 N HCl at 12 hours was 72%–90% (p<0.05). Weibull model was found to be the best fit model (R2>0.99) among all other studied models. Multiple regression showed a significant effect of Prunus domestica gum and HPMC K4M on the swelling index and dissolution profiles of propranolol HCl (p<0.05). On the basis of better in-vitro performance and cost-effectiveness, formulation F4 was the best formulation. It is evident from the results that Prunus domestica gum possesses excellent drug release retardant potential for the floating drug delivery system and this new gum should be further explored alone or with other natural and synthetic polymers in future studies.

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Levofloxacin-Loaded Floating Tables Using Various Rate-Controlling Agents

“…F1 had significantly ( P < 0.05) less floating lag time (10 ± 0.23 s) and density (0.46 ± 0.12 g/cm 3 ) than those of other tablets. The floating tablet’s density was less than that of water (1.004 g/cm 3 ) and showed excellent floating behaviors, which might be due to the addition of a gas-generating material, sodium bicarbonate, and hydrophilic polymers, which might cause its floating to the surface of the medium. These results were similar to the findings of Rabani et al, who also found floating behaviors of their tablets and suggested that it was due to the addition of gas-generating agents (citric acid and sodium bicarbonate) in the tablets, which could bring the tablets to the surface of the solution.…”