Formulation and Development of Diltiazem Hydrochloride Sustained Release Alginate Beads by Ionotropic External Gelation Technique

Background of the research: Diltiazem HCL (DTZ), has short biological half life of 3-4 h, requires rather high frequency of administration.Due to repeated administration there may be a chances of patient incompliance and toxicity problems.Objective: The objective of study was to develop sustained release alginate beads of DTZ for reduction in dosing frequency, high bioavailability & better patient compliance.Methodology: Alginate beads were prepared by ionotropic external gelation technique using CaCl 2 as cross linking agent.Prepared beads were evaluated for % yield, encapsulation efficiency, swelling index in 0.1N HCL and 7.4 phosphate buffer, drug release study, FT-IR, FE-SEM analysis.In order to improve %EE and drug release, pectin, methyl cellulose and locust bean gum were used as co-polymers along with sodium alginate.Result: Yield was found to be in the range of 72.41-96.43.% EE was 47.3% (F1), 71.1% (F5).In pH 7.4, beads showed increase in swelling index as compare to in 0.1 N HCL.Among use of different copolymers, locust bean gum sustained the DTZ release up to 55.98% (F6) in 12 hrs.FT-IR analysis revealed no drug excipient interference.Prepared beads were found to be rough, with cracks and pores on the surface.Conclusion: It was concluded that DTZ could be successfully entrapped and sustained in sodium alginate beads with use of locust bean gum.