The mechanism of diclofenac sodium release from non-disintegrating bioadhesive tablets

The mechanism of diclofenac sodium release from non-disintegrating bioadhesive tablets was studied. Diclofenac sodium was embedded in Carbopol 941 to produce bioadhesive granules, which were later, incorporated into a structure-forming material, paraffin wax. The tablets were formulated by pour moulding in a well-lubricated plastic mould. The tablets were thereafter evaluated as compressed uncoated tablets using the following parameters: weight uniformity, friability, hardness, thickness, absolute drug content and release studies. The release study was undertaken in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) without pancreatin. The result of the study showed that the release of diclofenac sodium was extended in all the tablets. The tablets conformed to pharmacopoeia specification as applied to uncoated compressed tablets. The mechanism of release of diclofenac sodium appeared to have followed different release models. Key words: Diclofenac sodium, bioadhesive tablets, non-disintegrating tablets, release mechanism. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences Vol.2(2) 2005: 202-208