Influence of Natural Gums as Sustain Release Carriers on Release Kinetics of Valsartan Matrix Tablets

Valsartan (VS) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that is used for the treatment of hypertension and have poor water solubility, low bioavaibility (approximately 20-25%), and shorter half-life (nearly 6 hours). The aim of the present study is to develop VS sustain release matrix tablets using various natural gums (xanthum gum, karaya gum and guar gum) and to analyse the drug release kinetics. In order to achieve a sustain release, the tablets were prepared in various drug: polymer ratio by wet granulation technique. Pre-compression and post-compression parameters of the tablets were satisfactory and within the acceptable limits. Ethyl cellulose was used as the release retardant in tablets prepared using xanthum gum in order to sustain upto 24h. Karaya and guar gum were sustained for 24 h in particular concentration. Drug release follows the first order kinetics, and diffusion mechanism. The present study suggests that VS sustain release tablets prepared using karaya and guar gum, retards the drug upto 24h and extend the duration of action.