Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained ReleaseMatrix Tablets of Glimepiride Based on Combinationof Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymers

The objective of this study was to develop sustained release tablets of glimepiride by wet granulation method based on combination of hydrophilic (HPMC15cps, HPC) and hydrophobic (Ethyl cellulose) polymers. The drug excipient mixtures were subjected to pre-formulation studies. The tablets were subjected to physicochemical studies, in- vitro drug release, kinetic studies and stability studies. FTIR and DSC studies shown there was no interaction between drug and polymers. The physicochemical properties of tablets were found within the limits. Glimepiride is a first third generation sulphonyl urea agent for the treatment type II diabetes mellitus. The drug release from the optimized formulation was extended for a period of 12 hrs. The kinetic treatment showed that the release of drug follows first order models. The optimized formulations were subjected to stability studies and shown there were no significant changes in drug content, physicochemical parameters and release pattern. Results of the present study indicated the suitability of the above mentioned polymers in the preparation of sustained release formulation of glimepiride.