Formulation of Non-effervescent Floating Dosage Form of Metronidazole using Sintering and Sublimation Technique

The aim of this study was to formulate a novel non-effervescent floating dosage form of metronidazole using the sublimation and sintering technique. Granules were formulated using the wet granulation technique. Ammonium bicarbonate (30% w/w) was incorporated as the sublimating agent. The granules were characterized for micromeritic properties. Thereafter, the granules were compressed using a single punch tableting machine and the physicotechnical properties were evaluated. The metronidazole tablet was then sintered at 70oC for 12 h. All granules were free flowing and compressible. The metronidazole tablets had no floating lag time showing that tablets floated instantaneously. FTIR and DSC studies showed that metronidazole and the excipients used in the formulation were compatible. Azadirachta indica gum was used in the formulation of non-effervescent floating dosage form of metronidazole using sublimation and sintering technique which is beneficial in sustained release formulations. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 20(1): 11-17, 2021 (June)

Isolation and Characterization of Azadirachta indica Gum: A Novel Controlled Release Polymer

Oral Drug Delivery is considered as the holy grail of drug delivery due to its convenience which resulted in high patient compliance of all the drug delivery systems that have been explored, oral drug delivery is the most preferred option for systemic delivery of drug via various pharmaceutical products of different dosage forms. The advantage of administering a single dose of drug which is released over an extended period of time, instead of administering numerous doses, is now a day’s area of interest for formulation scientists in the pharmaceutical industry. For this reason, the conventional dosage forms of drugs are rapidly being replaced by the new and the novel drug delivery systems. Amongst these, the controlled release dosage forms have gradually gained medical acceptance and became extremely popular in modern therapeutics. In order to control the release of drug from its dosage form, an effective controlled release polymer is essential. Though, there are several controlled release polymers available in the market, there is continuous need to develop controlled polymers which are safe and inexpensive. The aim of the work was to isolate and characterize the Azadirachta indica gum as novel controlled release polymer. Keywords: Isolation, Controlled release, Azadirachta indica