Development and Characterization of Bilayer Sustained Release Tablets of Tramadol HCl and Acetaminophen

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop bilayer sustained release tablets of to improve patient compliance of two drugs, tramadol and paracetamol. Immediate release layer contained both drugs tramadol hydrochloride and acetaminophen while the sustained release layer was designed only for the tramadol hydrochloride. Hydrophobic polymers Eudragit L-100, Eudragit S-100 and hydrophilic polymer hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K15), and wet granulation technique to produce bilayer matrix tablets. FTIR studies revealed no incompatibility among the ingredients. Out of 16 trials developed and characterized for weight variation, thickness, diameter, hardness, and friability, F16 showed promising result with immediate layer releasing drug 29% in 2 hours followed by sustained release 77% drug over 12 hours and followed zero order release. Therefore, bilayer sustained release tablets of tramadol with simultaneous loading of Paracetamol can be developed using Eudragit S-100 and hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose (HPMC K15) at equimolar content levels.