Development and Evaluation of Novel Multi-unit Pellet System Formulation of Metoprolol Succinate for Extended Release

Abstract

Metaprolol succinate is a highly water-soluble drug with extensive first-pass metabolism. It needs to be administered about 3-4 times a day for optimum therapeutic effect. Conventional extended-release formulations are available but have their own disadvantages. The study was to designed formulate and evaluate the prolonged-release compressed multiple-unit pellet system of Metoprolol succinate. MUPS are novel formulations with benefits of both single and multi unit dosage forms and can provide extended drug delivery release profile and increase the efficiency profile of the drug. Metaprolol succinate pellets were prepared, coated with a different polymer, and compressed into tablets with suitable excipients. The tablet MUPS disintegrates after ingestion into extended-release pellets. MUPS formulations prepared with polymers like ECN50, Surelease, Kollicoat. Pellets formulation with Kollicoat coating (7.5%) was found to be the best formulation. MUPS prepared using this formulation of pellets and lubritab were found to be most promising formulation with acceptable limits of all physicochemical properties, dissolution profile and stability. Thus from the results, it can concluded that multiple-unit pellet systems (MUPS) can be ideal formulations for drugs like Metaprolol succinate.