Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers on release kinetics of metoprolol succinate extended release tablets

The purpose of the present work is to design and evaluate extended release matrix tablets of metoprolol succinate to reduce the dosing frequency and to improve patient compliance. The matrix tablets were prepared by the combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers, using methocel 10000 Cps in combination with ethyl cellulose 7 Cps, Eudragit® RS100, Eudragit® S100, and Eudragit® L100.The tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. Prepared formulations were evaluated for various parameters like weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, and % drug content. Tablets were subjected to in vitro drug release studies. The formulations containing methocel 10000 Cps, Eudragit® L100 showed good release retardation. All the prepared formulations showed first-order release kinetics with matrix diffusion mechanism of release. The formulation containing 52.06% w/w of methocel 10000 Cps, 8.75% Eudragit® L100 offered the required release rate according to USP Pharmacopoeial guidelines. The combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers can effectively control the drug release for freely water-soluble drugs in case of extended release formulations which are the upcoming dosage forms for patient compliance in all aspects.