Development and evaluation of controlled release ibuprofen matrix tablets by direct compression technique

Abstract

This investigation reports the development and evaluation of controlled release ibuprofen matrix tablets. Matrix tablets weighing 400 mg were fabricated by directly compressing ibuprofen (100 mg) with Eudragit RSPO and Avicel PH 101. The release of ibuprofen was dependant on concentration of Eudragit in the formulation. Varying Eudragit concentration from 10–50% of the formulation (in increments of 5%) revealed that in 4 h, tablets containing 50% Eudragit released about 40% ibuprofen compared to 100% released from tablets containing 10% Eudragit. Following analysis of release mechanism using various models available in literature, release of ibuprofen from matrix tablets was dominated by polymer diffusion-controlled mechanism at least for first 4 h. Thereafter, the release mechanism became more complicated and lost controlled release by diffusion due to change of tablet integrity, such as erosion of polymer matrix. In conclusion, controlled release ibuprofen matrix tablets with desired drug release rate can be fabricated by various formulation variables with direct compression technique.