Nifidipine Matrix Tablet: Formulation Development and Evaluation

The purpose of the present work was to design & evaluate sustained release tablets of Nifedipine, employing hydrophilic polymer to improve dissolution rates of the drug. METHOCEL K15MCR & METHOCEL K100LVCR were used in tablets prepared by direct compression. The formulated tablets were physicochemically characterized & results were found in acceptable limits. Poor aqueous solubility of Nifedipine leads to variable dissolution rates. The main effect & interaction terms were quantitatively evaluated using mathematical models. Dissolution data were fitted to zero order, first order, Higuchi's, Korsmeyer-Peppas & Hixson-Crowell release kinetics to evaluate kinetic data. The drug release data fit well to the Higuchi expression, but a close relationship was also noted with zero order kinetics. Korsmeyer’s plot indicated that the drug release mechanism from the matrix tablet was to be found Fickian mechanism. Regulated drug release study indicate that the matrix tablets of Nifedipine prepared using above polymers can successfully be employed as twice-a-day oral controlled release dosage form.