Formulation Development and In-Vitro Evaluation of Sustained Release Matrix Tablets of Salbutamol Sulphate

The objective of the present study was to develop salbutamol sulphate matrix tablets, sustained release dosage form, for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Simultaneous equations were formed to calculate the concentration values of Salbutamol sulphate and drug compatibility study was performed through Infrared spectroscopy. The matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation method using two hydrophobic polymers such as Ethyl cellulose and Acrycoat S-100 in varying ratios. The granules exhibited satisfactory rheological demeanor. All the seven tablet formulations showed acceptable pharmacotechnical properties and complied with the in-house specifications for tested parameters. The results of formulation F-4 (Ethyl cellulose and Acrycoat in 2:1 ratio) could extend the release of Salbutamol sulphate up to 12 hr and was found comparable to marketed sustained release products. Model fitting analysis (Zero order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas model) for all the formulations were performed and it was seen that all the formulations predominantly follow the Higuchi model. While comparing with the 'n' values of all the formulations of Korsmeyer-Peppas model, Fickian/Diffusion controlled release was observed in case of F-4 and F-5, whereas for the other formulations non-Fickian transport was observed.