Formulation, Development and Evaluation of Bilayer Floating Tablet of Gemfibrozil

Abstract

Formulation development is an important part of drug design and development. Bioavailability and bioequivalence are totally dependent on formulation development. Now-a-days formulation development is done by following QbD (Quality by Design).The aim of present study is to formulate Gemfibrozil (Gem) sustained release (SR) and immediate release (IR) bilayer tablet by different concentration of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and HPMC K 100 M to control the release pattern. The sustained release layer of Gem was prepared by using different grades of HPMC like, HPMC K-15, HPMC K-4 along with other excipients by direct compression technique. The immediate release layer of Gem was prepared by Cross carmellose sodium, Crospovidone and Sodium starch glycolate by direct compression technique. The powders were evaluated for their flow properties and the finished tablets were evaluated for their physical parameters. The both immediate release and sustained release layers of Gem were characterized by FT-IR and in vitro dissolution studies. The drug release study of Gem was evaluated using USP-II paddle type dissolution apparatus. The release rate of Gem in immediate release layer was studied for 15 min in 0.1 N HCL media and that of Gem in sustained release layer was studied for 12 h in 0.1 N HCL. From the nine batches F6 batch showed good release behaviour 99.85% of drug is released over 12 hours. Gem belongs to BCS Class II (log P 3.6) with poor solubility and high permeability resulting in limited and variable bioavailability. Total four trial batches of each drug have been manufactured to optimize and develop a robust and stable formulation, the stability studies of the products also comply with ICH guideline.
 Keywords: Bilayer floating tablets, Gemfibrozil, Biphasic drug release, HPMC K 15.