Formulation and evaluation of Tramadol Hydrochloride sustained matrix tablets

The present study deals with formulation of Tramadol hydrochloride(TMH) sustained release matrix tablets. Tramdol is a water soluble drug and is prescribed for three to four times a day. Thus it is necessary for the drug to develop a sustained dosage form with reduced risk of drug administration, side effects and patient compliance. The present work describes preparation of matrix tablets using different hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. TMH is a centrally acting analgesic and is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration, showing good bioavailability. Hence the main objective of the study was to formulate and evaluate tramadol sustained release matrix tablets. Sustained release matrix tablets of TMH of different polymers like hydroxylpropyl methyl cellulose(HPMC), polyethylene oxide (PEO), ethyl cellulose (EC), Eudragit were developed and evaluated. All the batches were evaluated for angle of repose, carr’s index, hausner ratio, hardness, thickness, weight variation, drug content and in-vitro release characteristics. The release kinetics and the mechanism of drug release by regression coefficient analysis and peppas exponential model equation were investigated. The optimised tablets having HPMC provided more sustained drug release than other polymers.