Priti L. Patel

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a pulsatile drug delivery system based on drug-containing core tablet, which were coated with a swelling layer. Core tablets of Salbutamol Sulphate were prepared by direct compression using a croscarmellose sodium as disintegrant, micro crystalline cellulose as diluent and other. Core tablets were evaluated for uniformity of weight and thickness, hardness, friability, disintegration and dissolution. Compression coating over the prepared core tablets were done using various grade of HPC. Different formulae S1 to S9 were prepared using different coat % weights gain and polymer ratio. The compression forces were kept constant by adjusting constant distance between the upper and lower punches. The prepared Salbutamol Sulphate tablets were evaluated for the Lag time and in vitro release characteristics at variant pH media mimicking the gastrointestinal media. The results showed that the developed core tablets of Salbutamol Sulphate comprised excellent physical characteristics and complied with the USP criteria. For the pulsatile system, a quick releasing core was formulated in order to obtain a rapid drug release after the rupture of the polymer coating. The lag time prior to the rapid drug release phase increased with increasing % coating level. Key word: disintegrant, swelling layer, pulsatile release tablets, compression coating, lag time.