EFFECT OF HYDROPHILIC POLYMERS ON CONTROLLED RELEASE MATRIX TABLETS OF ACYCLOVIR

Acyclovir was formulated as oral controlled release matrix tablets using natural and synthetic polymers separately or in combinations. Tablets were prepared by direct compression method. The tablets were evaluated to thickness, weight variation test, drug content, hardness, friability and in vitro release studies.All the formulations showed compliance with pharmacopoeal standards. The tablets prepared with various combination of hydroxy propyl methylcellulose (HPMC K100), locust bean gum (LBG) and karaya gum (KG) failed to produce the desired controlled release. Dissolution studies indicated that formulation F5 was most successful of the study. The formulation F5 exhibited anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism. Based on the results of in-vitro studies it was concluded that the hydrophilic polymers canbe used as an effective matrix former to provide controlled release of acyclovir. SEM images of tablet after dissolution showed pore formation. FT-IR and DSC study did not show any possibility of interaction between acyclovir and excipients.