Vitamin C and Cranberry Extract Effervescent Tablet Formulation, Characterization, and Evaluation

Abstract

Background: Effervescent floating tablets are used oral dosage form, to enhance the patient compliance, drug bioavailability and to increase the absorption rate. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), widely used as a preventive agent against urinary tract infections, also suggested for Type II diabetes, myalgic encephalomyelitis, scurvy, and as a diuretic pill for being rich in nutrients and anti-oxidant properties. Objectives: The aim of the study is to formulate and evaluate the effervescent tablets of Cranberry and Vitamin C. Methodology: As per defined criteria of US FDA, effervescent tablet as per composition is formulated by citric acid and sodium bicarbonate and intended to dissolve in water before administration. Active substance and excipient compatibility studies were done by UV and FTIR, resulted absence of any interaction. Pre-formulation studies including Bulk density, tapped density, angle of repose, Hausner’s ratio, Carr’s index and water content. Results: Formulations were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, pH of solution, drug dissolution time, content uniformity as defined specification of U.S.P and BP. Stability and storage condition studies were also monitored with average results of 96% drug assay and dissolution. All the results showed excellent formulation of tablet and flow properties of granules. Conclusion: Further studies required to approach targeted and spontaneous release of active as optimized effervescence maybe helpful in delivery of actives and enhancing patient compliance.