• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.269-273
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• 2009

The objective of this investigation was to develop a gastro-retentive(GR) dosage form of gabapentin and was to evaluate of its dissolution characteristics. GR tablet consists of expandable core tablet matrix and semi-permeable membrane coating. Poloxamer 407 and sodium bicarbonate were used to prepare the core matrix. Polyvinly acetate dispersion (Kollicoat $SR30D^{(R)}$) and polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol copolymer ((Kollicoat $IR^{(R)}$)) were employed to form the semi-permeable membrane. The GR tablets significantly expanded up to fivefold in simulated gastrointestinal fluids with no apparent damage of the coating membrane over 12 hours. Also, the swelling rate was controllable with the amount of sodium bicarbonate. The drug release was observed to be substantially sustained based on coating level. The release rate of gabapentin from the GR tablet was gradually slowed down as the coasting amount was increased. The gabapentin GR tablet with 8% coating level showed a pseudo-zero order release kinetics over 12 hours. These results suggest that this swellable GR tablet system having semi-permeable membrane coating can be applicable for hydrophilic drug substances like gabapentin.

• 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.