Development of a novel dispersible tablet formulation

This formulation was made by Rubicon Research Pvt. Ltd. and the purpose of this study was to develop a dispersible tablet which, upon dispersion in water, forms a homogenous dispersion with reduced sedimentation rate, thus ensuring uniformity of dosage.

Introduction

Dispersible tablets combine benefits of liquid dosage forms with a solid dosage forms and are preferred for pediatric and geriatric patients. The drug from conventional dispersible tablets, has tendency to settle at the bottom or adhere to the sides of the containers upon dispersion in water, leading to incomplete dosage.

Methods

Dispersible tablets were developed using hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as a viscolizer. The concentration of HEC and other excipients was optimized to achieve desired sedimentation rate, disintegration time and pleasant mouth feel. Oxcarbazepine, an antiepileptic drug, was studied as a model drug. Dissolution of the developed formulation was studied (by Rubicon Research Pvt. Ltd.) in water containing different amounts of cetrimide  (used to enhance solubility of the drug in the medium). A new method was developed to determine sedimentation rate of the resultant suspension.

Results

These tablets were found to disperse rapidly in water, despite the presence of the viscous polymer. During dispersion formation, HEC dissolved, increasing the viscosity of the dispersion. This ensured instant suspension formation with low sedimentation rate, typically less than 30% of drug in 15 minutes, compared to more than 70% in the case of a marketed conventional dispersible tablet formulation. Dissolution rate of Oxcarbazepine dispersible tablet was found to be similar to that of the marketed immediate release formulation.

Conclusion

A novel dispersible tablet technology was developed to yield a low sedimentation rate of the formed dispersion and to ensure uniformity of dose. Using this technology a stable oxcarbazepine dispersible tablet formulation was developed. This technology can be used for different categories of drugs, particularly antiepileptics and antibiotics.

                                                                                    By

                                                                                    Raj Kishore

                                                                                    Deptt. of Pharmaceutics

                                                                                    A.N.D. college of Pharmacy

                                                                                    Babhnan, Gonda