Fast Dissolving Tablets of Sertraline Hydrochloride

Sertraline Hydrochlride, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is widely used in treatment of depression. Though Sertraline Hydrochloride is well absorbed after oral dosing, there is a first pass metabolism leading to a reduced bioavailability of the drug (44%). Therefore, the present investigation is concerned with the development of Fast Dissolving Tablets of Sertraline Hydrochloride. Various formulations were prepared incorporating a combination of superdisintegrants (Physical Mixtures and Co-processed Mixtures), sodium starch glycolate, and crospovidone by direct compression method. The formulated Fast Dissolving Tablets were evaluated for various physicochemical parameters, disintegration time and for in vitro drug release. All the formulations had disintegration time less than 3 minutes and release maximum amount of drug by 5 min. Formulation containing Co-processed Mixtures had less disintegration time as compared to the Physical Mixtures. The most satisfactory formulatison was found to be stable during the stability studies conducted as per ICH guidelines QIC, as it showed no significant changes in the physicochemical properties, disintegration time.