The Effect of Controlled Release Tablet Performance and Hydrogel Strength on In Vitro In Vivo Correlation

The impact of controlled release (CR) formulations having different gel strength values (Γ) on in vivo tablet performance and the in vitro in vivo correlation of the formulations was investigated. The CR tablets containing either hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), or carbomer were formulated with theophylline and Fast Flo® lactose to produce tablets with a polymer content of 8 and 30% w w. Γ was measured using a previously reported method. Male beagle dogs were utilized. Results showed that dissolution profiles were similar for all three polymers at the same % w w level of polymer, irrespective of media (DI H2O, 0.1 N HCl, and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer). Mean Γ values were significantly different (p≤0.05) and were in order of HPMC K100MP>HPC HXF>carbomer 971P (same 30% w w) with absolute Γ values at 30% w w in DI H2O of 6600, 4600, and 1600 ergs cm3, respectively. Drug profiles in plasma for the 30% HPMC K100MP tablets were consistent with in vitro dissolution profiles and Γ values. Plasma profiles for the 30% HPC HXF tablets were similar in vivo as the HPMC tablets. Plasma profiles for the 30% carbomer 971P formulation showed much higher drug concentrations (compared to HPMC and HPC) in vivo in all dogs. This finding is not consistent with the slow drug release found in the dissolution profiles but consistent with its low in vitro Γ values. Assessment of the predictability of a level A in vitro in vivo correlation was quantified by absolute mean percent prediction error (PE). Formulations having Γ 6000 ergs cm3 have acceptable PE