Freeze drying: exploring potential in development of orodispersible tablets of sumatriptan succinate

The present investigation is aimed at development and characterization of sumatriptan succinate orodispersible tablets (ODTs) prepared by freeze drying technology. The tablet excipients were screened and the composition was optimized based on parameters which involved general appearance, tablet size and shape, uniformity of weight, mechanical properties, surface pH, moisture analysis, drug content, wetting time, in vitro and in vivo disintegration time. Furthermore, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron micrograph of cross-section of the tablet and in vitro dissolution studies were performed. Studies revealed that formulation containing gelatin-mannitol (3.75% w/v and 3.5% w/v, respectively) with camphor as a volatile pore forming agent exhibited superior properties with disintegration time of less than 10 s. Furthermore, in vitro release studies revealed 90% release of drug from developed dosage form within 10 min, thus suggesting rapid drug dissolution followed by faster onset of action, which forms a strong rationale for development of ODTs of sumatriptan succinate. The developed technology is simple, which involves few steps and can be easily scaled up. Thus, it holds enormous potential for commercial exploitation.