Naproxen release from sustained release matrix system and effect of cellulose derivatives

The present study was conducted to investigate the low viscosity grades of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and ethyl cellulose (EC) in sustaining the release of water insoluble drug, naproxen from the matrix tablets. Both HPMC and EC were incorporated in the matrix system separately or in combinations by wet granulation technique. In vitro dissolution studies indicated that EC significantly reduced the rate of drug release compared to HPMC in 12 hour testing time. But, no significant difference was observed in the release profiles of matrix tablets made by higher percentages of EC. The tablets prepared with various combinations of HPMC and EC also failed to produce produce the desired release profiles. However, comparatively linear and desirable sustained release was obtained from EC-based matrix tablets prepared by slightly modifying the granulation method. Moreover, two different compression forces used in tableting had no remarkable effect on the release profile of naproxen.