DESIGNING AND PHARMACEUTICAL EVALUATION OF FAST DISSOLVING TABLET OF FEXOFENADINE USING COPROCESSED SUPERDISINTEGRANTS

Among various novel drug delivery systems fast dissolving tablets have attracted great attention in recent years due to their ability to release the drug content gradually. Therefore the demand for this dosage form has been increased since last few years especially in patients with swallowing difficulties as this dosage form provides advantage of being swallowed without water. The objective of this research study was to prepare and evaluate fast dissolving tablet of Fexofenadine for acting as a suitable approach to the treatment of allergy together with improved efficacy and reduced dosing frequency. The tablets were prepared by direct compression technique after incorporating superdisintegrants (Ac-di-sol, Sodium starch Glycolate and Crospovidone) in concentrations (1-4%). For preliminary studies twelve (F1-F12) formulations were prepared. Optimization technique was employed to predict the best formulation of all combinations prepared. Pre and Post compression characterization was done on tablets. Then co processed superdisintegrants were used for formulation of tablets showing superior properties. In investigation 3² full factorial design was employed to investigate the combined effect of two formulation variables that is SSG and CP. Total nine formulations (FDT1-FDT9) were prepared according to factorial design with 30 seconds disintegration and 0.5% friability. The optimized formulation was evaluated for content uniformity and in vitro drug release showing more than 90% release in five minutes and followed first order kinetics. The short term stability studies was performed for three months at 45⁰C and 75% RH,  no significant changes in percent friability and in vitro disintegration time were observed. The shelf life of the formulation was predicted more than one year (372 days).