To study the influence of different grades of Ethylcellulose ether derivative polymer Ethocel® and co-excipient on drug release profile of controlled release matrix tablet of acarbose.

The aim of the study presented is to formulate and evaluate Acarbose controlled release matrix tablets by means of different grades of polymer Ethocel and different co-excipients with the intention to see their effects on drug release profile during in vitro dissolution studies. Controlled release dosage forms is gaining rapid popularity due to its positive aspect of reduction in dosage frequency and curtailing side effects. Controlled released tablets of Acarbose were prepared by direct compression method, using Ethocel® Standard 7 Premium and Ethocel® Standard 7 FP premium polymer. The effect of co-excipients including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and starch on the drug placing 30% lactose were also examined. In-vitro studies were carried out with the help of phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) as dissolution medium. Drug release mechanism was assessed by applying various kinetic models. Similarly / dissimilarity factor f2/ f1 were applied for determination of dissolution profile of the test and reference formulations. Physiochemical characteristics were in the USP satisfactory limits. Conventional Acarbose tablet released 97% of the drug within 2 hrs. Ethocel® Standard 7 premium and Ethocel® standard 7 FP released 59.9% and 47.01% of the drug within 6 and 99.9% and 97% within 24 hours, respectively. This effect possibly has been achieved owing to the smaller particle size of the Ethocel® Standard 7 FP premium which show evidence of anomalous, non-fickian release kinetics. Co-excipients like HPMC, CMC and starch augment the drug release rates from the matrices which may be attributed to their hydrophilic nature. Ethocel® Standard 7 Premium and Ethocel® Standard premium 7 FP polymers show a promising response in fruitful production of controlled release tablets by direct compression method.