EVALUATION OF MOI GUM IN THE FORMULATION OF CONTROLLED RELEASE MATRIX TABLETS USING LOSARTAN POTASSIUM

Matrix tablets were developed using moi gum for investigating its suitability for the controlled release using losartan potassium as a model drug. Tablets were prepared by direct compression method. Lactose and dibasic calcium phosphate (DCP) were used as channelling agents. In-vitro studies were performed in 0.1N hydrochloric acid for the first two hours and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer for the next ten hours. The retardation of drug release was influenced by gum concentration and nature of diluents. The drug release was retarded when compared with dissolution patterns of synthetic polymers like polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000 & PEG 6000). The release rate, extent, and mechanisms were found to be governed by the concentration of the gum and channelling agents. Increased rate and extent of the drug release were found by using a higher content of channelling agent in the matrix due to increased porosity. It was found that type and concentration of channelling agent significantly affect the percentage drug release, release rate constant (K) and diffusion exponent (n). The FTIR studies confirmed that there was no interaction between the drug and moi gum.