Formulation and Evaluation of Immediate-Release Oral Tablets Containing Magnesium Aluminum Silicate-Loaded Simvastatin

Abstract

Background: Simvastatin (SIM) is a lipid-lowering agent to prevent disorders caused by clogged blood vessels. Because of its low solubility, it has low bioavailability. The adsorption technique is effective in improving drug solubility and dissolution rate. Objective: To use magnesium aluminum silicate (MAS) as an adsorbent in combination with Soluplus® as a hydrophilic polymer to formulate SIM as immediate-release tablets (IRTs). Methods: We used the solvent evaporation method to make MAS-loaded SIM in the presence of Soluplus®, making sure that the ratio of SIM to MAS to SOLU was 1:6:3. We then used this mixture to make IRTs. Using the direct compression method, we made all of the SIM-IRT formulas. We used diluents like Avicel®PH102, Avicel®PH101, and starch, as well as super disintegrants like Crospovidone (CP), Croscarmellose sodium (CCS), and sodium starch glycolate (SSG). We evaluated these formulas for their weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time, drug content, and dissolution profile. Results: We prepared the tablet formula (T5) using MAS-loaded SIM, Avicel®PH102 as a diluent, and CCS 3% as a super disintegrant. This formula showed the shortest disintegration time (0.61 min) and best drug release in phosphate buffer pH 7.0, releasing more than 80% of the drug within 30 minutes. Conclusion: Using suitable excipients, adsorption was an efficient method to enhance the solubility of SIM for preparation as IRTs.