Floating drug delivery system of verapamil hydrochloride using karaya gum and HPMC

The main purpose of this investigation was to develop a controlled release floating drug delivery system (tablet) of verapamil hydrochloride. Floating tablets of verapamil hydrochloride were engineering to extend gastric residence time and hence to enhance its bioavailability. The floating matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression technique using a combination of hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and karaya gum as polymers and sodium bicarbonate as generating agent. The prepared floating tablets were evaluated for weight variation test, hardness, thickness, swelling index, in vitro floating capabilities, floating lag time, compatibility studies, and in vitro drug release. This swellable hydrophilic natural karaya gum was used to control the release of drug. The results showed that the optimized formulation F8 containing 23.3% of karaya gum (70mg) and 13.3% of HPMC (40mg) had good floating capability, shorter floating lag time, and sustained drug release for the period of 8h. © 2010 Informa UK Ltd.