• KSBB Journal
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.219-227
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• 2016

Valsartan, a drug for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, exhibited low bioavailability which was caused by, at least in part, limited solubility at low pH. Present investigation deals with the preparation and characterization of gastro-retentive drug delivery system (GRDDS) using valsartan solid dispersion. We prepared solid dispersion using surfactants (Poloxamer 407) and alkalizer ($Na_2CO_3$) which may to be useful for improving solubility of valsartan at low pH and evaluated by saturated solubility of valsartan in distilled water. Valsartan gastro-retentive (GR) tablets containing solid dispersion prepared and evaluated by weight variation, floating time and dissolution rate. Compression at lower pressures resulted in the tablets floating over simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) for more than 17 h. In vitro release of valsartan from GR tablet was dependent on the amount of poloxamer 407 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. On the basis of evaluation parameter, formulation E-3 was selected as a final formulation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the GR tablets containing solid dispersion may be exploited successfully for the delivery of poorly drug such as valsartan.