FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF DIRECTLY COMPRESSIBLE PIOGLITAZONE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS BY INCORPORATING DRUG SPHERICAL AGGLOMERATES

Directly compressible tablets of pioglitazone hydrochloride from spherical agglomerates were effectively prepared with improved drug release and bioavailability. Agglomerates were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method using methanol, chloroform and water as good solvent, bridging liquid and poor solvent, respectively. Tablets from the agglomerates were prepared by mixing with directly compressible excipient, disintegrant and lubricant and compressed by rotary tablet press using 6 mm standard concave punch. Tablets have shown appropriate hardness, friability, weight and disintegration time. Also remarkable improvement in drug release for tablets prepared from agglomerates was observed as compared to that of conventional marketed tablets. Pharmacokinetic study indicated rapid absorption and higher bioavailability of drug from tablets prepared from agglomerates in comparison to marketed tablet of pioglitazone hydrochloride. Furthermore, this improvement in bioavailability pioglitazone hydrochloride may be valuable in dose reduction consequently for cost effectiveness and improved patient compliance.