Formulation and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Tablets of Antihypertensive Drug

Over a decade, the demand for development of fast dissolving tablets (FDT) enormously increased as it has significant impact on the patient compliance. Fast dissolving tablets are appreciated by a significant segment of populations particularly who have difficulty in swallowing. Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is chronically elevated, If not, effectively treated it may lead to stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure. Antihypertensive are the class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension. Metoprolol tartarate is a β1-selective adrenergic blocking agent and is prescribed widely in cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. Administration of conventional tablets of Metoprolol tartarate has been reported to exhibit fluctuations in the plasma drug levels resulting in either manifestation of side effects or reduction in drug concentration at the receptor site. Administration to patients who cannot swallow, such as elderly, stroke victims, healthcare facility&bedridden patients such as those affected by renal failure; and the patient who refuse to swallow such as pediatric, geriatric and psychiatric patients which results in high evidence of inefficient therapy. The present study nine batches of fast dissolving tablets of Metoprolol tartarate were successfully prepared using Crospovidone, Sodium starch glycolate, Fenugreek and Isapghula husk by direct compression method. Based on results formulation containing Crospovidone (8%) and Sodium starch glycolate (8%) F(2), was identified as ideal and better formulation among all formulations developed for Metoprolol tartarate tablets. From study it is concluded that the formulated fast dissolving tablets of Metoprolol tartarate of batch F2, were superior and effective in achieving better patient compliance.