INFLUENCE OF INCREASING CONCENTRATIONS OF MAGNESIUM STEARATE AND TALCUM ON DISSOLUTION PROFILE AND PHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF METOPROLOL TARTRATE EXTENDED RELEASE MATRIX TABLETS

Metoprolol tartrate (MT) is cardio-selective β1 receptor antagonist used primarily in the management of chronic heart diseases like in the management of hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and heart failure. It is only available as prescription drug. The objective of this study was to prepare sustained release matrix tablets of MT using hydrophilic polymer and direct compression technique. Major emphasis was given to the effect of independent variable mainly the concentration of Magnesium stearate (MS) and Talcum (T) used as lubricants. Dependent variables characterized in this study are weight variation, hardness of tablet, thickness, friability and dissolution profile of tablet. Increasing concentration of lubricants was having profound effect on release kinetics of drug and friability of tablet. Model dependent release behavior of matrix tablets was investigated applying different models, all formulations were a good fit to zero order release kinetics model. Thorough investigation of independent variables and their effect on dependent variables guided towards best formulation of all the manufactured batches. Formulation F3 was selected as best formulation.