Formulation and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Tablets of Enalapril Maleate Using Co-Processed Superdisintegrants

Enalapril maleate is the maleate salt of enalapril, a derivative of two amino acid, L-alanine and L-proline. Enalapril maleate is angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It lowers blood pressure by reducing peripheral vascular resistance without relatively increasing cardiac output, rate or contractility. All grades of essential hypertension especially in patients with diabetes and other chronic renal diseases like glomerulosclerosis can be treated with Enalapril. It is also indicated in the treatment of heart failure. Enalapril maleate is having a half life of 11 hrs. The bioavailability of Enalapril maleate tablets is approximately 55 % and food does not affect absorption. Hence, an attempt was made for preparations of a FDT of enalapril maleate were formulated by direct compression technique using co-processed superdisintegrant like Crospovidone and Croscarmellose sodium in different ratios. The prepared were evaluated for various pharmaceutical characteristics viz. hardness, % friability, weight variation, drug content, in-vitro dissolution profiles. Results showed that the direct compression technique by using co-processed superdisintegrants successfully used for enhancing the solubility of Enalapril Maleate. The prepared tablets were characterized using FTIR and finally the prepared tablets were evaluated for various pharmaceutical characteristics such as hardness, % friability, weight variation, drug content all the results were within the I.P Limit. Crosspovidone and CCS containing tablets rapidly exhibit high capillary activity and pronounced hydration with a little tendency to gel formation and disintegrate the tablet rapidly. The formulations prepared by co-processed superdisintegrants showed rapid % drug release due to fast disintegration of tablets. The formulation PM 3 and CP 6 shows 99% drug released within 20 minutes. The results of stability studies revealed no change in physical appearance, hardness, drug content and in vitro dissolution profiles, thus indicating that formulation was stable. Thus Results showed that the direct compression technique by using co-processed superdisintegrants successfully used for enhancing the solubility of Enalapril maleate.