Assessment of hydrophilic matrix system on extended release developed cefuroxime axetil tablets

Exceptional qualities and consistency of hydrophilic matrix system (HPMC) has been presented a characteristics place for designing and development of drug delivery system. In view of this ten different extended release formulations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose i.e. Methocel® K15M CR in combination with Methocel® E5LV and E50LV were designed with the addition of second generation cephalosporin drug cefuroxime axetil with 250 mg dose by direct compression method. Physicochemical properties of all formulated batches were examined by the reference pharmacopeial and non-pharmacopeial procedures. In vitro drug release characteristics were observed in different dissolution medium included phosphate buffers of pH 4.5 and 6.8, 0.1N HCl of pH 1.2, 0.07N HCl and distilled water. Four formulations i.e. F5, F8, F9 and F10 were selected as best optimized one and dissolution profile of these formulation were further analyzed by ANOVA-based model, model-independent and model dependent approaches and R Gumi® applied for stability evaluation. Results revealed a significant difference (p <0.05) in drug release increased as a concentration of HPMC were reduced from high to low i.e. 30% - 10% concentration. In addition, up to twelve hours extended pattern (>85%) of drug release was observed in formulations containing 10% of K15M CR (F5) alone and in combination with E5LV and E50LV polymers (F8, F9 and F10). Evaluation of Korsmeyer–Peppas equation showed R2 = 0.925 - 0.999 and best fitted in to the model of non-Fickian diffusion controlled release mechanism with n=0.478-0.879 indicates high viscosity grades polymers with low fractions displayed extended release patterns of drug.