PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF A TASTE-MASKED ARTEMETHER ORAL SUSPENSION

Objective: The antimalarial drug Artemether is bitter in taste. The purpose of this work is to construct a taste-masked Artemether resinate employing ion exchange resins. Methods: The process for drug resin complexation was adjusted in terms of drug resin ratio and medium pH. FTIR and DSC measurements were used to characterise the taste-masked complex. As an ion exchange resin, Indion 204 was used. It was combined with medication in various ratios: Indion was generated at various times and pH values and the extent of complexation was determined. Results: The result indicates that a 1:1 ratio of Indion 204 to resin resulted in the largest amount of complexation after four hours of mixing. These resinate then converted into granules and they exhibit an angle of repose, bulk density, and flow characteristic values that are acceptable. The loading of drugs was greater than 99 percent. Based on drug content, a suitable amount of drug-resinate was taken for formulation. Then Suspension was studied for general appearance, viscosity, sedimentation ratio, drug release, resuspendability. The release test showed that 92.46% of drug were release within 120 min. Conclusion: Hence we can conclude that Indion 204 has been proved to be useful as a taste-masking agent. Thus we are able to achieve our objectives of preparing a taste-masked suspension of Artemether with minimum excipients and a simple method of manufacturing.