DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF FAST DISINTEGRATING TABLETS OF METOCLOPRAMIDE HCl USING NATURAL SUPERDISINTEGRANTS

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate fast-disintegrating tablets of metoclopramide hydrochloride using Plantago ovata mucilage as a natural superdisintegrant. Six formulations (F1–F6) were prepared by the direct compression technique and evaluated for pre-compression and post-compression parameters, including flow properties, tablet hardness, friability, wetting time, water absorption ratio, drug content, disintegration time, and in-vitro dissolution. Among the developed formulations, F6, containing 18 mg of Plantago ovata mucilage, exhibited the most favourable performance, with a wetting time of 25.12 seconds, water absorption ratio of 92.22%, disintegration time of 21 seconds, and drug content of 99.24%. The formulation achieved 99.12% drug release within 25 minutes. Stability evaluation over six months showed only minor changes in the measured tablet characteristics and dissolution profile. The findings indicate that Plantago ovata mucilage is a promising natural superdisintegrant for developing fast-disintegrating tablets of metoclopramide hydrochloride. Further studies may help establish its suitability for pharmaceutical applications.