Design, Development and In-vitro Evaluation of Amlodipine besylate Effervescent floating tablets by using different polymers

Objective: In the present study an attempt has been made to evaluate the effect of hydrophilic polymers on the release profile of drug from effervescent floating tablets delivery system. Methods: Floating tablets of Amlodipine besylate were developed in eight different formulations (F1 to F8) by direct compression process using different grade of polymers i.e. Eudragit-L-100, Kollidone SR, Methocel K4, Methocel K15 and effervescent agents such as sodium bicarbonate, citric acid. The formulations were evaluated for various physical parameters, buoyancy studies, dissolution parameters and drug release mechanisms.  Release kinetics of this drug from these sustained release floating tablets in chloride buffer using USP paddle method-2 with sinker for 8 hours were studied. The release mechanism was explored and explained with zero order, first order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer and Hixson crowell equation. Results: The formulations were found to have floating lag time less than 1min. Statistically significant differences were noticed among the prepared formulations. Higher proportion of polymeric content (50% of the total tablet weight) in the floating tablets, release was extended > 8 hours due to increased tortuosity and decreased porosity. At lower proportion of polymeric content (33% of the total tablet weight), the rate of drug release was elevated. Formulation (F8) showed drug release is more controlled among the prepared formulation. Conclusions: The release studies indicated the possibility of achieving sustained release floating tablets for Amlodipine besylate by using HPMC K4, HPMC K15, Kollidon SR and Eudragit-L-100.