Formulation and In Vitro Assessment of Controlled Release Matrix Tablets of Abacavir

The main objective of the present work was to develop controlled release matrix tablets of abacavir using different polymers namely hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyethylene oxide, pharmatose DCL 21, microcrystalline cellulose. Varying ratios of drug and polymer were selected for the study. The tablets were prepared by direct compression and wet granulation method. After evaluation of physical properties of tablet like hardness, friability, thickness, weight variation, the in vitro release study was performed by using USP type 1 dissolution apparatus in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer for 14 h. The effect of polymer concentration and polymer blend concentration were also studied. Release kinetics of abacavir matrix tablets were done by zero order, first order, higuchian square ischolar_main studies. The matrix tablets prepared with combination of HPMC K 100 M and PEO, showed slower release pattern when compared the matrix tablets prepared with HPMC K 100 M alone is clear indication of the drug release over a prolonged period. The DSC and FTIR study revealed that there was no chemical interaction between drug and excipients.