Optimization Of Propranolol Hydrochloride Controlled Release Matrix Tablet Using Factorial Design

Purpose: The objective of this study was to prepare Propranolol Hydrochloride controlled release matrix tablets and to investigate the effect of the polymer blends and the polymer concentration on drug release. Method: Propranolol Hydrochloride controlled release matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K15M (HPMC K15M) and Carbopol 934P were used in formulating the matrix tablets. A 32 full factorial design were applied to carry out systematic studies. The blending ratio of HPMC K15M and Carbopol 934P (X1) and Polymer concentrations (X2) were selected as independent variables. The times required for 50% (t50) and 80% (t80) drug release were selected as dependent variables. The dissolution profile of all the batches was fitted to zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsemeyer and Peppas models to ascertain the kinetic modeling of drug release. Results: The results clearly indicate that the values of t50, t80, f2 and MDT are strongly dependent on the independent variables. In-vitro drug release profile of all possible batches of factorial design was compared with theoretical drug release profile. The results indicate that batch F7 showed the highest value among all the batches, and it also shows similarity in t50 and t80 values. The f2 value (74) of batch F7 indicates less than 5% difference in in-vitro drug release profile with theoretical release profile. Conclusions: It was observed that the blending ratio of HPMC K15M-Carbopol 934P and polymer concentration have distinct effect on in-vitro drug release profile. Release rate of Propranolol hydrochloride decreased proportionally with increased in concentration of Carbopol 934P and total polymer concentration.