Formulation and Evaluation of Nifedipine Bilayer Floating Tablets

Abstract

In the present investigation concern, the formulation and evaluation of bilayer floating tablet of Nifedipine which after an oral administration increase gastric residence time, to increase the bioavailability. Nifedipine is the Calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine type which used in angina pectoris and hypertension. It has a half-life of 2-4hours and bioavailability of 45-56%. It is advantageous to formulate bilayer floating tablet of Nifedipine helps to increase bioavailability, reduce dosing frequency, and reach maximum plasma concentration rapidly. Bilayer floating tablets comprised of two layers, immediate and sustain release layers. The immediate release layer is comprised of super disintegrating agent Karaya gum, and sustain release layer comprised of low density release retardant polymers like HPMC K4M and Guar gum; and sodium bicarbonate and citric acid gas generating agents. The prepared powder mixtures were subjected to FT-IR for all interaction. The tablets were prepared by direct compression. First, the powder blends of sustained release layer was pre-compressed and then powder blends of immediate release layer was added. Hardness, friability, drug content, floating lag time, total floating time, swelling index and in-vitro drug release were evaluated. In the present study, it was found that formulation F4 containing HPMC K4M and Guar gum in the ratio of 2:1 showed maximum drug release. The release data were adjusted to various mathematical models such as Higuchi, 1st order and zero order to evaluate the kinetics and mechanisms of the drug release and it was best suited for the Higuchi model. There were no notable changes in stability studies.