Abstract

The objective of the study was to develop matrix tablets for oral controlled release of aceclofenac. Matrix tablets of aceclofenac, using various viscosity of hydrophilic polymer HPMC in two different proportions, hydrophobic polymer ethyl cellulose and Guar gum were prepared by wet granulation method and subjected to in vitro drug release studies. The drug release from all HPMC matrix tablets followed various release kinetics, formulation no -F7 followed higuchi kinetics. Furthermore, the results of the in vitro studies in pH 7.5 phosphate buffer medium showed that F7 tablets provided controlled release comparable with market sustained release formulation (Aeroff-SR tablets). F7 tablets showed no change in physical appearance, drug content, or in dissolution pattern after storage at 40°C with 75% RH for 6 months. Based on the results of the in vitro studies, it was concluded that the HPMC matrix tablets provided oral controlled release of aceclofenac.

Key words: Aceclofenac, sustained release, matrix tablets, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.