Factors influencing drug dissolution characteristic from hydrophilic polymer matrix tablet

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the factors influencing the dissolution characteristics of drug substances from hydrophilic polymer matrix tablets. Various kinds of cellulose derivative polymers were used for matrix formation. Their swelling properties were measured. The effects on drug release were studied in comparison with lactose. Results indicate that drug release characteristics from polymer matrix tablets follow Higuchi square root time kinetics. It was found that the polymers could retard the release of drugs in both simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), but at different levels. The dissolution constants of drugs were higher when the pH of the dissolution medium was increased. Results also indicate a linear correlation between the proportions of matrix-forming structures in the tablets and the extent of dissolution retardation. It was found that not only the swelling property of the polymer but also its hydrophobicity and the hardness of the tablet played an important role in the retardation of drug release. Results also indicate that PVP K30 supports cellulose polymers so as to improve the release behavior in order to better keep drug release constant in each time interval. © Österreichische Apotheker-Verlagsgesellschaft m. b. H.