FORMULATION ANDIN-VITRO ∕ IN-VIVO ESTIMATION OF SUSTAINED RELEASE MUCOADHESIVE TABLETS OF ITOPRIDE HYDROCHLORIDE

Mucoadhesive tablets of Itopride HCl were formulated with a view toenhance bioavailability, extend the drugrelease and also decrease the recurrence of dose administration. Methods: The mucoadhesive tablets were formulated by direct compression method using carboxymethyl cellulose blending with carboxymethyl cellulose and Polycarbophil. Results: Tablets showed good mucoadhesive characteristic in the in vitro test and detected that carboxymethyl cellulosehad greater mucoadhesive force than that of Polycarbophil. ItoprideHCl release from this mucoadhesive tablets was slow and showed sustained release. Bioavalibility study of optimized formula was carried out and results revealed that the mucoadhesive tablets showed bioequivalence with a commercial immediate release tablet with higher mean AUC (0- ) and Cmax and longer T max. Conclusion: The results confirm thatthe prepared Mucoadhesive tablets of ITO HCl could be a promising drug delivery system with sustained-release action and enhanced drug bioavailability.