Development of sustained release metoprolol succinate matrix tablets using kappa carrageenan as monolithic polymer

Abstract

The rationale of this research work was to investigate the impending of kappa carrageenans (?C ), for the formulation of sustained-release tablets and to study the factors affecting it. Tablets were compressed on a rotary press and the effect of formulation factors, moisture, and storage on the release of metoprolol succinate was deliberated. The effect of cross-linking salt, potassium chloride, in the tablet formulation and a change in the ionic strength of the dissolution media, was studied on the release of the model drug. The release rate increased both with an increase in tablet diameter. The two lubricants studied had a negligible effect on the rate of drug release at their commonly used concentrations. The moisture content of ?C did not have any significant effect on the release rate. The omission of potassium chloride from the tablets significantly increases the release rate. The change in ionic strength of simulated gastric fluid altered the release rate, highest ionic strength of the dissolution media, showed the least release. ?C tablets were relatively insensitive to small changes in formulation parameters and dissolution conditions.