Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Tablets of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride for the Treatment of Depressive Disorders

The purpose of present investigation was to formulate the sustained release tablets of Venlafaxine HCl (VHL) by direct compression method using natural polymer, xanthan gum and semi synthetic polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K4M, HPMC K15M, HPMC K100M and Carbopol alone or in combination. The drug and all the excipients were evaluated to study compatibility and flow properties. The prepared tablets were evaluated for tablet dimensions, weight variation test, friability, drug content and in vitro drug release study. The FTIR study of drug with all excipients showed that there was no any interaction between the drug and excipients. The precompression study of powder blend showed good flow properties. All the tablets showed dimensions and hardness within prescribed limit. Friability and weight variation test was found to be satisfactory. Drug content was found to be in the range of 94.24 to 101.02% and all the formulations sustained release of drug. Formulation containing equal concentrations of carbopol and xanthan gum showed 90.02% drug release in 12 h. From above results, it can be concluded that tablets of VHL prepared with carbopol and xanthan gum by direct compression method have sustained release of drug that may be useful in the treatment of depressive disorders.