Effect of Bio-adhesive Polymers like HPMC, Gelatin, Na-CMC and Xanthan Gum on Theophylline Release from Respective Tablets

Preparation and evaluation of gastroretentive floating pellets of metronidazole using Na-alginate and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose polymers

Gastroretentive floating pellets of metronidazole were formulated to prolong the gastric residence time in order to obtain controlled release characteristics of the drug. Nine formulations of metronidazole floating pellets such as AX, BX, CX, AY, BY, CY, AZ, BZ and CZ were prepared by extrusion method using different quantities of hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) polymers such as methocel K4M premium and methocel K100LV premium in the ratio of 2:1, 1:2 and 1.5:1.5 while the amount of Na-alginate used in the formulations was 3.50, 5.25 and 7.0 g, respectively. The in vitro dissolution studies were carried out in 900 mL of phosphate buffer (pH 1.2) at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C and 50 rpm for 6 h using USP XXIV paddle method and the content of drug release was done by UV spectrophotometer at 277 nm. It was found that the percent release of metronidazole from different formulations was different with passing of time. The drug release profile of the formulation (AX) having Na-alginate 3.50 g methocel K4M premium and methocel K100LV premium in the ratio of 2:1 showed best fit to Higuchi release kinetics with R2 value of 0.994. Finally, it might be concluded that the polymers had significant effect on drug release kinetics of metronidazole from floating pellets. The selection and use of suitable polymers in appropriate ratio might be very important in designing floating pellets and using the capabilities of these polymers, suitable floating pellets of metronidazole with desirable release rate could be formulated. Thus, in vivo research studies by the future researchers will confirm the appropriateness of these formulated metronidazole floating pellets.

Aplicações farmacêuticas de polímeros

Os polímeros representam uma das classes de materiais mais versáteis disponíveis para aplicações em diversas áreas, inclusive a farmacêutica. Polímeros naturais, naturais modificados e sintéticos são empregados como excipientes farmacêuticos para a formulação de cosméticos e medicamentos de liberação convencional e de liberação modificada. Nos dias atuais, polímeros são desenvolvidos para atuarem como moduladores e direcionadores da liberação de fármacos em sítios específicos no organismo. Polímeros biodegradáveis, bioadesivos, biomiméticos e hidrogéis responsivos têm sido amplamente incluídos em formulações farmacêuticas. Os avanços na idealização de novos Sistemas de Liberação de Fármacos somente são e serão permitidos a partir do desenvolvimento de polímeros projetados especificamente para a área farmacêutica. Neste sentido, o presente artigo visa a revisar e apresentar informações sobre o uso de polímeros em aplicações farmacêuticas que poderão ser úteis no planejamento de novos sistemas com desempenhos superiores.