Development and Evaluation of Lamivudine Extended Release Trilayer Matrix Tablets by Response Surface Methodology

The present study was aimed to develop and optimize extended release (ER) matrix tablets of Lamivudine trilayer tablets to achieve zero-order drug release for prolonged period of time. Lamivudine tablets were prepared by direct compression and consist of middle active layer with different grades of HPMC, MCC and PVP K30, upper and lower layers were prepared with Carnauba wax, Xanthan gum, EC and MCC. The tablets were also evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and release kinetics. The physicochemical characteristics of the prepared tablets were satisfactory. The developed drug delivery systems showed prolonged drug release rates over a period of 24 h. The release profile of the optimized formulation (HF23) was described by the Zero-order and Higuchi model. The results indicate that the approach used could lead to a successful development of extended release formulation of short biological half-life drug. These results also demonstrated the suitability of three-layered tablet formulation of Lamivudine to provide controlled release for prolonged period of time and improved linearity for Lamivudine in comparison to marketed product in the effective management of AIDS with patient compliance.