Formulation and Evaluation of Propranolol Hydrochloride Sustained Release Matrix Tablets Using Different Grades of HPMC and MCC

Background: To design and develop propranolol hydrochloride sustained-release tablet formulations using different grades of HPMC and MCC and their in vitro evaluations. The effect on drug release from tablets and other characteristics by various grades of polymers were studied and compared. Materials and Methods: Propranolol hydrochloride, microcrystalline cellulose (PH-101), Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH-102), HPMC (K15 M), HPMC (K100 M), HPMC (K4 M), HPC LF, Isopropyl alcohol, Povidone (K-30), Magnesium Stearate were used in the different formulations. Direct compression, dry granulation and wet granulation methods were used for the preparation of tablets. Results: Among different formulations, SR008 having HPMC K100M was showing better sustained release characteristics, 69.1%, 76.6%, 82.3% for 8, 10, 12 hr respectively compared to other formulations with 71% moisture content and 71N hardness. Conclusion: The matrix embedding technique using HPMC K100M has successfully extended the release of propranolol hydrochloride. It is particularly suitable for obtaining directly compressed sustained-release matrix tablets with appropriate standards and well-reproducible drug release profiles. In contrast to thrice daily prescriptions of the conventional formulation, the designed formulations can be prescribed once daily dose leading to a reduction in dosing frequency and per-day drug dose. It is concluded that HPMC K100M in appropriate proportions is suitable for formulating sustained-release tablets which exhibit diffusion-controlled Higuchi kinetics for propranolol hydrochloride.