FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SUSTAINED-RELEASE ORAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Abstract

Sustained-release oral drug delivery systems play a crucial role in improving patient compliance by providing controlled and prolonged drug release, thereby reducing dosing frequency. This study investigates the formulation and evaluation of sustained-release tablets using various polymer systems, including HPMC, Ethylcellulose, and Carbopol 971P. The impact of polymer concentration, excipient composition, and processing methods (direct compression and wet granulation) on the dissolution profile, mechanical properties, and stability of the tablets was assessed. Dissolution testing revealed that the formulations exhibited controlled release over 24 hours, with some formulations maintaining nearly complete release at the 24-hour mark. Stability studies conducted under accelerated conditions (40°C, 75% RH for 3 months) showed minimal degradation in the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and stable drug release profiles for most formulations. The results highlight the significant influence of polymer choice and formulation factors on both the in vitro release behavior and long-term stability of sustained-release systems. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing sustained-release tablet formulations to meet clinical requirements for consistent drug delivery.