FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF DILTIAZEM CHRONOTHERAPETIC SYSTEMS BY PRESS COATING TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYING MAGNESIUM STARCH- A NOVEL TIMED-RELEASE POLYMER

The role of chronotherapeutics in hypertension management is based on the recognition that blood pressure does not remain constant throughout the day. Instead, it tends to be higher in the early morning hours and lower in the evening hours. The main objective of the present studies reported here was to investigate whether compression coating could be used to produce tablets providing maximum In-vitro drug release 8 to 10 hours after an evening dose taken at approximately 6:00 pm– 7.00 pm. The basic idea behind the dosage form development is to investigate effect of novel chronotherapeutic polymer i.e., magnesium starch and coating design on lag time and drug release from directly compressed time-controlled release tablet. The aim of the present study was to design time controlled tablet of Diltiazem hydrochloride, as chronopharmaceutical drug delivery system by press coating employing a novel chronotherapeutic polymer magnesium starch. Coating materials blend were evaluated for micromeritic properties like flow properties, compressibility index, Hausner's ratio and also evaluated the tablet for hardness, thickness, friability and weight variation. The obtained results showed the capability of the system in delaying drug release for a programmable period of time to attain drug release after 10hours after an evening dose taken at according to a time-dependent approach. Key Words: Preparation, Diltiazem, Chronotherapeutic Systems, PressCoatingTechnology, Magnesium Strarch