The Preparation and In-vitro Evaluation of Sustained Release Capsules of Rivastigmine Tartrate

Abstract

Rivastigmine tartrate is a cholinesterase inhibitor, used in the treatment of dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease and it is currently available in a capsule form. Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is the most important hydrophilic carrier material used for the preparation of oral controlled drug delivery systems due to its high swellability and its significant effect on the release kinetics of an incorporated drug. The present study was designed to prepare sustained release granules of Rivastigmine tartrate by using HPMC as matrix former, Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as diluent and Magnesium Stearate as lubricant. Blend of Eudragit co-polymers on different ratio was used to coat the granules. The drug-excipient compatibility studies were carried out by using FT-IR, DSC and XRPD analysis. The results shown that there was no significant interaction between the drug and excipients. Granules were prepared by wet granulation method. The granules were subjected to physico-chemical, drug content and in-vitro drug release studies. The best fit release kinetics was achieved with Higuchi equations followed by first order kinetics from the above results it was concluded that extended release granules of Rivastigmine tartrate can be prepared by using HPMC and also found that coating of granules with Eudragit co-polymers also effective to extend the release of drug.