Effect of Type and Amount of Hydrophilic Polymer on Release Profile and Floating Properties of Propranolol HCl Matrix Tablets

Background and

The gastroretentive drug delivery systems can be retained in the stomach due to low bulk density. This assist in improving the oral sustained delivery of drugs that have an absorption window in a particular region of the gastrointestinal tract. These systems release the drug content before reaching the absorption site and provide optimal bioavailability. Several approaches are currently utilized to prolong gastric retention time. These include floating systems, polymeric bioadhesive, and swelling and expanding systems. The objective of this study was to develop and characterize gastroretentive floating matrix tablets from propranolol HCl.

Propranolol floating matrix tablets, containing HPMC K15M or Carbopol and gas-generating agent were prepared using direct compression method. The drug release profile of tablets was evaluated based on USP method. The in vitro floating characteristics of these tablets were studied in pH 1.2.

The release rate decreased when the amount of polymer increased. The drug release also increased in the presence of gas-generating agent. The results showed that tablets containing HPMC had better floating properties than tablets containing Carbopol. Adding gas generating agent to the formulations modified the floating properties of matrices.

These results proved the effect of polymers and floating agents on drug release profile. The use of HPMC K15M and gas-generating agents can lead to suitable floating formulation of propranolol HCl.