Colon Specific Drug Delivery: Effect of Eudragit Enteric Coating on Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Matrix Tablets of Flurbiprofen

Objective: The present research is focused on developing flurbiprofen colon-specific tablets based on timed release and pH-sensitivity. Methods and Material: This study is designed to study the effect of eudragit coating on the drug release from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrix to achieve the colon-specific release. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation method and coated with eudragit S100 using dip coating method. Then the tablets were evaluated for different physical parameters, compatibility studies, in vitro dissolution and in vivo x-ray imaging studies. Statistical Analysis: In the stability studies, paired t-test is employed to determine the significance of difference at 0.05 level. Results: Flurbiprofen colon-specific tablets have been characterized for weight variation, hardness, friability and drug content. Based on in vitro drug release, the formulation F6 showed the low amount of drug release (18.41 ± 0.68%) in the initial lag period followed 100.43 ± 3.33% in 24 h. Compatibility studies revealed that there was no interaction between drug and the polymers. Similarity index value was found as 95.01, which is more than 50 indicates similarity between the dissolution profile before and after storage. In support of the dissolution studies, x-ray imaging studies revealed that tablets reached the colon without disintegrating in the upper gastro intestinal tract. Conclusion: From the above results, it is obvious that the developed flurbiprofen enteric coated matrix tablets are suitable for colonic delivery.