FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TRAMODOL HYDROCHLORIDE EXTENDED RELEASE TABLETS

Abstract

Objective Extended release tablets are considered as a boon to patients suffering from pain as they provide continuous availability of drugs in systemic circulation. Tramadol Hydrochloride is a water soluble opiod analgesic drug which acts centrally by blocking the pain signals sent by the nerves to brain. It is widely accepted as a drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Design An attempt was made to prepare Tramadol Hydrochloride extended release matrix tablets by employing various polymers Hydroxy propyl cellulose, Ethyl cellulose, Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K100 and Chitosan in combinations to retard the release rates. Direct compression technique was adopted for preparing matrix tablets. Dicalcium phosphate, Magnesium stearate, Colloidal silicon dioxide were used as excipients along with rate retarding polymers. Intervention Precompression and post compression parameters like flow properties, compressibility index, hausner’s ratio, weight variation, hardness, thickness, content uniformity etc., were evaluated by appropriate methods. Invitro dissolution studies were performed to study the rate retarding effects of polymers. Result Formulations containing Hydroxy propyl cellulose and Ethyl cellulose at higher concentration gave very good dissolution profile leading to extended release. Other formulations with various combinations and proportions also retarded the release rate to various levels. Conclusion it is evident that combination of Hydroxy propyl cellulose and Ethy cellulose are suitable polymers for preparing extended release Tramadol Hydrochloride matrix tablets. Also other polymer combinations indicated a promising solution to prepare extended release matrix tablets. Key words Tramadol Hydrochloride, Matrix, Polymer, Extended release, Hydroxy propyl cellulose, Ethyl cellulose, Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K100, Chitosan.