Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Albendazole Tablets Formulated Using Detarium Microcarpum Gum

The aim of this study was to evaluate Detarium microcarpum gum (DMG) as polymer in formulated mucoadhesive albendazole tablets. FTIR studies were conducted to evaluate compatibility of DMG with albendazole. Mucoadhesive albendazole tablets were prepared by non-aqueous wet granulation technique using DMG alone (30%, 20% or 10%), in combination with carbopol (15%/15%) or carbopol alone (30%) respectively as polymers. Granules prepared were evaluated for flow rate, angle of repose, bulk and tapped density, particle size distribution, Hausner’s ratio and compressibility index. The prepared tablets were evaluated for thickness, diameter, hardness, weight uniformity, friability, drug content, dissolution, swelling studies and mucoadhesive strength. The uniformity of weight for the formulated tablets ranged from 591.1±0.011 to 601.6±0.001 mg while the drug content ranged from 98.6% to 101.3%. Tablet hardness ranged from 5.10±000 to 10.77±0.01 Kgf and friability was between 0.25±0.00 and 0.42±0.02%. The mucoadhesive strength ranged from 1.293 x 10^-4 to 6.45 x 10^-4. Post compression parameters were within acceptable limits. The cumulative drug release for formulations F1-F3 produced using DMG (38.52 to 54.45%) were significant improvement on that produced using carbopol (11.62%) and marketed product (8.21%). The produced tablets were stable after accelerated stability studies at 40oC and 75% relative humidity. FTIR studies indicated that DMG did not show any incompatibility with albendazole. DMG at concentration of 30%w/w could be used to produce mucoadhesive albendazole tablets with prolonged and sustained release characteristics comparable to those produced using standard polymer, carbopol.