Formulation, In Vitro Evaluation and Comparison of Sustained Release Matrix Tablets of Diclofenac Sodium using Okra Gum as Release Modifier

In the present investigation, an attempt was made to formulate sustained release matrix tablets of Diclofenac sodium using Gum acacia and Okra gum as release modifier. Six batches of sustained release matrix tablets of Diclofenac sodium were prepared by using different drug: polymer ratios viz. 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, and 1:3.5 for both gum acacia and Okra gum. The tablets were analyzed for their hardness, friability, weight variation, and an In-vitro release was performed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) pH 7.4 for twenty four hours. Swelling study was also carried out to study dispersibility of gums at different concentrations. The physical characters of the fabricated tablet were within acceptable limits. Gum acacia showed better swelling than Okra gum. A better sustained drug release (98.7%) was obtained with the matrix tablet (Batch F) of the Okra gum. Results showed that the drug release from matrix tablets prepared by using natural polymers can be sustained for more than 12 hrs and the drug release vary with concentration of polymer in matrix tablets.