Formulation and Evaluation of Floating Tablets of Gliclazide Employing HPMC K100M, Starch Acetate and Carbopol 934P

The objective of the present study is to evaluate HPMC K100M, Starch acetate and Carbopol 934P as matrix formers in this design of floating tablets of gliclazide, a poorly water soluble drug. Floating tablets of gliclazide (60 mg) were formulated employing (i) HPMC K100M (ii) Starch acetate and (iii) Carbopol 934P as matrix formers at 30% and 50% strength, sodium bicarbonate at 7.5%, 10% & 12.5% strength as gas generating agent and bees wax (10%) as floating enhancer and the tablets were evaluated for floating and drug releases characteristics. Gliclazide floating tablets formulated employing HPMC K100M and Starch acetate as matrix formers at 50% strength and containing sodium bicarbonate (12.5%) as gas generating agent exhibited floating over 44 to 48 h with a floating lag time of less than 50sec. These floating tablets also gave slow and controlled release of gliclazide over 24 h and were found suitable for once a day administration (24h). HPMC K100M and Starch acetate were better suitable as matrix formers than Carbopol 934P for floating tablets of gliclazide, a poorly water soluble drug.