Formulation development & characterization for rivastigmine controlled release tablets

Abstract

In this study an attempt was made to formulate and evaluate controlled release matrix tablets of Rivastigmine using Ethyl cellulose, HEC 2M and HPC 2M as the retardant polymer. Tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. Tablets were evaluated for parameters such as weight variation, hardness, friability and drug content. All the formulations showed compliance with pharmacopoeial standards. In vitro release studies were performed using USP type II apparatus (paddle method) in 900 mL of 0.1N HCl at 50 rpm for 2 hours and remaining 10 hours 6.8 Phosphate Buffer. The release kinetics was analyzed using the zero-order, first order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas equations to explore and explain the mechanism of drug release from the matrix tablets. In vitro release studies revealed that percent drug release increased with increase of polymer loading. Based on the dissolution data F-6 formulation (HEC 2M) was selected as the best formulation. The drug release profile of the best formulation was well controlled and uniform throughout the dissolution studies.