FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF PROBIOTIC TABLETS CONTAINING ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG

The aim of present study was to formulate and evaluate probiotic tablets containing anti-inflammatory drug Mesalazine. Matrix tablets were prepared using Sodium alginate and Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) as matrix forming components, with three different combinations by wet granulation method. The granules were evaluated for angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index and Hausners ratio. The tablets were subjected to weight variation, hardness, friability and drug content test and invitro release studies. Additionally the tablets were tested for contents of viable cell counts of probiotic lactobacilli using standard plate count (SPC) method. Invitro release studies revealed that all formulations qualified both stages for release of the drug i.e. acid stage and buffer stage 1. The release profiles were affected by variable concentrations of sodium alginate when combined with HPMC-AS.  The combination at 1:2 (SA2) prevented the escape of both actives more effectively than the other two formulations at all the three stages of dissolution test. A few numbers of bacterial cells were lost in acid stage as well as in the subsequent buffer stage1. However, at the end of buffer stage 2 the viable cell count for L .acidophilus, were found to be 9 × 10⁹ CFU. The combinations of HPMCAS (HF) and sodium alginate together increased acid tolerance of probiotic lactobacilli strain added in matrix tablets.