In Vitro Studies of Controlled Release Alfuzosin Matrix Tablets Prepared with Ethylcellulose and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Extended release formulation of alfuzosin, an -antagonist used for prostatichypertrophy, is available in market. it is convenient for older patients to take onlyone tablet a day. marketed alfuzosin formulation is three layered geomatrix tabletthat requires special facilities, high cost, more time and complex operation than normaldirect compression formulation. therefore, a less complicated formulation is desiredwhich can be prepared by conventional tools. the aim of the study was thedevelopment and in vitro evaluation of a controlled release dosage form of a freelysoluble weakly basic drug (alfuzosin hydrochloride). binary mixer of one hydrophilicpolymer (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) and one hydrophobic polymer (ethylcellulose) was used in tablets prepared by direct compression, 32 factorial designwas chosen and the amount of two polymers were taken as independent variables.the percent drug released at 1, 6, 12, and 20 h were selected as response. the maineffect and interaction terms were quantitatively evaluated using mathematicalmodel. dissolution data were fitted to zero order, first order, and higuchi’s releasekinetics to evaluate kinetic data. according to korsmeyer's equation drug releasefollowed both diffusion and erosion mechanism in all cases. drug release wasdifferent from three fillers (microcrystalline cellulose, lactose and dibasic calciumphosphate).