FORMULATION AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF MESALAMINE MUCOADHESIVE TABLETS FOR COLONIC DRUG DELIVERY

The objective of the present study is to develop a colon targeted drug delivery system by using sodium alginate as a carrier for Mesalamine. Matrix tablets containing various excipients and sodium alginate were prepared by wet granulation technique using different binder systems. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, weight variation, drug uniformity, friability, and in-vitro drug release study. The surface of the device of the best formulation was coated with Eudragit S100 to ensure that the device was more pH-dependent and trigger the drug release only at higher pH. The matrix tablet containing sodium alginate as a carrier and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as a binder was found to be suitable for targeting mesalamine for local action in the colon as compared to other matrix tablets containing different binders. Matrix tablets containing sodium alginate released 97-99% of mesalamine in the simulated colonic fluid. The stability study for prepared tablets at 40 ºC/75% relative humidity for three months showed no significant change in the in-vitro drug release pattern. The results of the in-vitro study indicate that a matrix tablet containing sodium alginate as carrier and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as a binder is most suitable to deliver the drug specifically in the colonic region.