Acta Pharm. 64 (2014) 89-104

 

full paper

Original research paper

 

Some variables affecting the characteristics of Eudragit E-sodium alginate polyelectrolyte complex as a tablet matrix for diltiazem hydrochloride

REHAB MOHAMMAD YUSIF, IRHAN IBRAHIM ABU HASHIM and MARWA SALAH EL-DAHAN

rehabyusif@yahoo.com

Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt

Accepted December 3, 2013

 

Eudragit E (EE)-sodium alginate (SA) polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were prepared at pH 4 and 5.8 using sodium alginate of high (SAH) and low viscosity (SAL). The optimum EE-SA complexation weight ratio was determined using viscosity measurements. Interactions between EE and SA inPECs were characterized by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ HCl) tablets were prepared using the prepared EE-SA PECs and their physical mixtures at different ratios as matrices. Tablets were evaluated for swelling characteristics and in vitro drug release. Tablets containing EE-SAH physical mixtures of ratios (1.5:1 and 1:3) as matrices were effective in achieving sustained release of DTZ HCl, where the percent drug released was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased compared to that from tablets either containing the same ratios of EE-SAL physical mixtures or the preformed EE-SAH and EE-SAL PECs.

 

Keywords: polyelectrolyte complex, diltiazem hydrochloride, Eudragit E 100, sodium alginate, viscosity, tablet matrix