Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of Furosemide Floating Matrix Tablets Using Boswellia papyrifera Resin as Matrix Forming Polymer

Abstract

The stomach and upper part of the small intestine are where furosemide is primarily absorbed when treating edema brought on by congestive heart failure (CHF), hepatic cirrhosis, renal impairment, and nephrotic syndrome. This narrow absorption window is responsible for furosemide’s limited oral bioavailability. So creating a gastroretentive floating tablet could be beneficial. Natural polymers are advised for use in medication delivery because they are readily available in nature, biodegradable, relatively inexpensive, biocompatible, and nontoxic. Olibanum is a natural plant-based polymer obtained from Boswellia genus of trees and mainly composed of alcohol-soluble resin (65-85%). Ethiopia is rich in Boswellia species, with Boswellia papyrifera being the most important oleo-gum resin-producing tree species. In order to formulate a gastroretentive floating matrix tablet of furosemide, this study looked at the use of naturally occurring, locally available B. papyrifera resin as a matrix-forming polymer. By directly compressing B. papyrifera resin and HPMC K4M as matrix-forming polymers and sodium bicarbonate as a gas-generating agent, floating matrix tablets were created. The effects of the formulation variables polymer type, polymer concentration, polymer ratio, and percentage of the floating agent on the floating lag time, total floating time (duration), and cumulative drug release in 12 hours were investigated. Furosemide floating tablets formulated employing higher (40%) polymer concentrations (olibanum resin, HPMC K4M, or in combination) and 10% sodium bicarbonate as gas-generating agent demonstrated a floating lag time of less than 6 minutes and a sustained release with a total floating time of more than 12 hours. Comparing the release characteristics of floating tablets made with 40% of a total polymer and 10% of NaHCO3 revealed that the medicine is released very slowly when polymers were combined. The matrix-forming polymer, olibanum resin, obtained from B. papyrifera, was effectively used to make furosemide floating matrix tablets. The olibanum resin from B. papyrifera can therefore be used as a potential substitute matrix-forming polymer in the production of effervescent floating matrix tablets.