Ethyl cellulose.

The objective of this research work was to carry out design and evaluation of sustained release matrix tablets of Itopride by use of natural and synthetic polymers.  Matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique by using natural polymers like Carbopol 934, Tamarind poly saccharide, Locust bean gum, Ethyl cellulose, HPMC K 100 as matrix forming agent and excipients such as Lactose, Starch 1500, Magnesium stearate, MCC and talc were used. The dissolution medium consisted of 900 ml of 0.1 N HCl for first 2 hours and then 7.4 phosphate buffer for remaining 10 hours. The release of Itopride from matrix containing lactose, micro crystalline cellulose and starch 1500 as diluents. The drug release rate was found in order of lactose> micro crystalline cellulose>starch 1500. The formulation was optimized on the basis of acceptable tablet properties and in-vitro drug release. The release data were fit into different kinetic models (zero-order, first-order, Higuchi’s equation and Korsmeyer-Peppas equation). Optimized formulation was tested for their compatibility with Itopride by FT-IR studies, which revealed that there is no chemical interaction occurred with polymer and other excipients. The drug release profile of the best formulation was well controlled and uniform throughout the dissolution studies.