The Formulation of Diclofenac Sodium Hydrogel Tablets

Abstract

Sustained release (SR) diclofenac sodium tablets (100 mg) containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium carboxymethylcelluose (NaCMC) as release control hydrogel matrix agents were prepared and evaluated in the study. The dissolution profiles of the tablets were compared to those of Geigy’s Voltarol Retard tablets 100 mg using the USP dissolution apparatus paddle method. The SR hydrogel tablets prepared in the study exhibited sustained release characteristics but there was a marked difference in the dissolution profiles when compared to Voltarol Retard tablets. The dissolution data fitted to Higuchi and Hixson-Crowell equations indicating the existence of diffusion mechanism controlling diclofenac release from the tablets.

Keywords: Sustained release, diclofenac sodium hydrogel tablets, Voltarol retard tablets, film coating, dissolution profiles

Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 8 No 1 pp. 188 - 197 (September 2010)