Formulation and Evaluation of Nimodipine Tablets Using Solid Dispersion Technique

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to develop immediate release tablets of Nimodipine using solid dispersion technique to achieve rapid release in GIT which might result in enhanced absorption and thereby improved bioavailability. Various batches of Nimodipine solid dispersion (SD1-SD6) were prepared using fusion method, solvent evaporation and combination of these two methods (melt evaporation method/melting solvent method). PEG 6000 and PVP K30 were used as polymeric carrier in (drug: carrier) 1:1 ratio for all the formulations. Docusate sodium was used as surfactant in 0.025% to 0.085%. Drug-excipients interactions were carried out for pure drug and optimized formulations using FTIR studies. Six batches of Nimodipine immediate release tablets (F1 to F6) were developed by wet granulation method using its solid dispersion. Crospovidone was selected as super disintegrant and acetone as an organic solvent. All the batches of immediate release tablets were evaluated for different pre-compression and post-compression parameters including stability study of the optimized formulation. Among all formulations, F6 prepared by melt evaporation method with a high surfactant content showed the greatest drug release (101.49% ± 0.31%). The stability studies (formulation F6) showed there was no major differences in physical parameters and was stable even after a period of 3 months. % CDR of the accelerated time stability batch was 94.41% ± 0.265% of its content in 30 min which is showing immediate release and the drug content of the same stability batch was 99.87% ± 0.119%.