Influence of Electrolytes on Controlled Release of Ambroxol Hydrochloride from Methocel Matrix Tablets

Abstract: The hydrophilic polymer such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M (Methocel K4M) is used to form oral hydrophilic monolithic systems to provide controlled release of the drugs. The drug release over a prolonged period of time may not be achievable by this polymer alone and still remains a challenge. In this work, a new attempt was made for in situ interactions between drug and electrolytes to control the release of highly water-soluble drugs from oral hydrophilic monolithic systems. The model drug ambroxol hydrochloride, in conjunction with specific electrolytes was principally employed in the design of swellable tablet formulations comprised of HPMC K4M. Electrolytes such as aluminium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate and zinc sulphate, were used to monitor intragel pH changes, swelling and gel properties. The results indicated that the drug released at a controlled rate which was due to differential swelling rate, matrix stiffening and provided a uniform gel layer. These findings indicated that the swelling and gel formation in the presence of ionisable species within the hydrophilic matrices provided an attractive alternative for controlled drug delivery from a simple monolithic system.

The above content is an abstract only. For the full Article please contact:
KONGPOSH Publications Pvt. Ltd.
ICS House, C-19, Commercial Complex, SDA, Opp. IIT Gate, New Delhi, India -110016
Tel.: 26855839, 20057149, Fax: 91-11-26855876
Email: info@kppub.com / fpc@vsnl.com, Website: http://www.kppub.com