Design and In vitro Evaluation of Nifedipine Propranolol Hydrochloride Sustained Release Matrix Tablets Using a Hydrophilic Hydrophobic Polymer Blend (Research Article)

Author(s): Sheeba Naaz* and Hemant Bhardwaj

Abstract: Introduction: Using combined drugs with fixed dosage forms can make treatment much easier, and as both nifedipine and propranolol have short half-lives it should be good to use in sustained-release formulations. Aim- In this study, we tried to manufacture an extended-release tablet, which consists of both nifedipine (20 mg) and propranolol hydrochloride (40 mg) and to examine how the ratio of polymers influences tablet properties and drug release. Method- This work involved series of experiments with five formulations, in which HPMC K100M was replaced by ethyl cellulose in gradually increased amounts (185-165 mg and 25-45 mg). We included the following tests: powder flow and tablet properties evaluation, drug content testing and 12-h dissolution test (2-h at pH 1.2, after that pH 6.8), principal kinetics study and stability test at 40 °C and 75% RH for 30 days. Result- Results of the experiments showed that the flow of the mixtures was very good (the values of the Carr index were between 9.1 and 9.6%). The hardness was found to rise from 4.12 to 4.61 kg/cm2 while the brittleness was found to fall from 0.42 to 0.24%. It was detected that higher amounts of ethyl cellulose caused release retardation, so NP3 was selected as the best formulation evidenced by the release figures (91.1% nifedipine and 89.3% propranolol. Conclusion: A HPMC K100M/ethyl cellulose matrix is a feasible platform for combined nifedipine–propranolol delivery, pending experimental confirmation.

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