DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ELEMENTARY OSMOTIC PUMP TABLETS FOR SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE OF METFORMIN AND GLIPIZIDE

The aim of present study was to design and evaluate an elementary osmotic pump-based drug delivery system for controlled release of metformin and glipizide simultaneously for treatment of type II noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Inclusion complex of glipizide with β- cyclodextrin was prepared to enhance its solubility. Core tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. Effects of different variables like amount of plasticizer, osmogen, orifice size and dissolution media were studied on release profile for both drugs. Morphology of semi permeable was studied using electron microscope before and after dissolution test. On increasing the amount of osmogen, the release of both drugs was found to be increased. No significant effect of PVP K 30 was observed on drug release. Optimization results indicated that the release of both drugs was directly proportional to the surface porosity of the membrane. It was concluded that the osmotic pump tablets could provide more prolonged and controlled release that may result in an improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.