FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DILTIAZEM HCL MATRIX TABLETS BY EMPLOYING ELECTROLYTES WITH GUM KONDAGOGU

The objective of the present investigation is to prepare and evaluate the sustained release matrix tablets of Diltiazem HCl using a natural polymer Gum kondagogu. Diltiazem HCl was formulated as sustained release matrix tablet formulations with natural polymer by employing pharmaceutically acceptable electrolytes. Electrolytes such as Sodium carbonate, Magnesium carbonate and Calcium carbonate were used at specific concentration, in various formulations. Total twelve formulations (DG1-DG12) were prepared by using different proportions of drug and Gum kondagogu (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2) with the aid of granulating fluids such as distilled water, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. From 12 formulations DG3, DG7 and DG11 were optimized based on results from physicochemical evaluation and drug release studies. These formulations have composition of 1:1.5 ratio of drug and Gum kondagogu & they have shown more than 95% drug release at 12 hours. Hence based on studies, formulation DG10 with drug and polymer with 1:1 ratio was selected for further studies by employing electrolytes in different concentrations. These electrolytes were employed to examine matrix swelling and gel properties. These were tested for release studies and to signify the influence of electrolytes type in sustaining the release of drug. Based on results the formulation DGE8 contains magnesium carbonate as electrolyte with 50 mg concentration was found to extend the drug release over extended period of time. The results signified that the drug released at a sustained rate, owing to differential swelling rate and matrix rigidity, and provides a uniform gel layer.