FORMULATION AND INVITRO EVALUATION OF FLOATING MICROSPHERE OF TRAMADOL

The study was carried out to prepare and evaluate tramadol hydrochloride floating microspheres for sustained drug release. The drug Tramadol was selected for the development of floating microspheres because of its short half-life requiring repeated administration. Tramadol was selected because it is an orally administered analgesic that can benefit from prolonged and controlled drug release. It is suitable for gastro retentive formulation research. It reduces dosing frequency. It helps to maintain drug levels for a longer time, reduce fluctuations in plasma drug concentration and improve patient compliance. The drug and polymers are formulated into microspheres using a suitable technique, followed by the best formulation which gives good floating ability, high drug entrapment and sustained release. The microspheres were prepared by the ionic gelation method using HPMC K 100M and xanthan gum. Calcium carbonate may be used as a gas-generating agent to provide buoyancy. Six formulations were prepared and evaluated for various parameters such as yield, swelling, drug content and release. F2 showed better buoyancy, swelling, drug content and percentage yield. The F2 formulation showed more drug release at 360 minutes. The results of tramadol hydrochloride prolonged drug release help to reduce the frequency of dosing.