Formulation, Evaluation and Comparison of Sustained Release Matrix Tablets of Diclofenac Sodium Using Tamarind Gum as Release Modifier

Background and purpose of study: In the present investigation, an attempt was made to increase therapeutic effectiveness, reduce dose frequency and improvement in patient compliance, by developing sustained release matrix tablets of Diclofenac sodium using tamarind gum as release modifier. Methods: Six batches of sustained release matrix tablets of Diclofenac sodium were prepared by using different drug: polymer ratios viz. 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, and 1:3.5 for tamarind gum. Tamarind gum was used as matrix forming material, while microcrystalline cellulose was used as filler to maintain the tablet weight. Infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the interaction between drug and polymer. The tablets were analyzed to determine their hardness, friability, weight variation, and an In-vitro release of drug was performed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) pH 7.4 for twenty four hours. Swelling study was also carried out to study dispersibility of gums at different concentrations. Results: All the physical characters of the fabricated tablet were within acceptable limits. No interaction between drug and polymer was confirmed by infrared spectrum. Concentration dependent swelling of tamarind gum shows dispersibility of gum at particular manner to release drug. A better sustained drug release (98.7%) was obtained with the matrix tablet (Batch F) of the tamarind gum. Conclusion: It is cleared that the drug release from matrix tablets prepared by using tamarind gum can be sustained for more than 12 hrs and release of drug vary with concentration of polymer in matrix tablets.