Sustained release tablets based on chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose sodium

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Developing effective drug delivery systems for water-insoluble drugs is a significant challenge in pharmaceutical science.
• Chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) are biocompatible polymers with potential for drug formulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate chitosan and CMC-Na mixtures as vehicles for sustained release tablets.
• To investigate the sustained release of a model water-insoluble drug, Prednisolone (PDS).

Main Methods:

• Tablets were prepared using direct compression of chitosan and CMC-Na mixtures.
• Drug release studies were conducted using model JP X fluids.
• The influence of polymer ratios, drug loading, and additives on release rate was assessed.

Main Results:

• Sustained release of Prednisolone (PDS) was successfully demonstrated from chitosan/CMC-Na tablets.
• The release rate of PDS was effectively controlled by varying chitosan/CMC-Na ratios and PDS content.
• Additional additives were found to modulate the drug release profile.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan/CMC-Na mixtures are a viable and promising basis for designing sustained release dosage forms.
• These formulations offer a controllable release mechanism for water-insoluble drugs.
• The study highlights the potential of these polymer blends in advanced drug delivery applications.