Modification of the Release Properties of Lornoxicam Gastroretentive Floating Tablets with the Naturally Occurring Okra Mucilage

The aim of the present investigation is to study the effect of Okra mucilage on the buoyancy and release properties of lornoxicam floating gastroretentive tablets. Lornoxicam floating tablet formula e were prepared using HPMC K100 M and/or Alginate as floati ng, release controlling polymers at different drug polymer ratios. Okra mucilage was added to the proposed tablet formulae both as dry powder and as granulating aqueous solution. The prepared tablets were evaluated for weight uniformity, hardness, friabili ty, drug content, swelling index, in - vitro buoyancy, and in - vitro drug release. Results showed that incorporation of Okra mucilage into a floating tablet matrix positively affected the swelling and buoyancy where the swelling index increased to reach 221, 193, and 224 % in comparison to 211, 182, and 208 % respectively, the floating lag - time was shortened to be 0.23 minutes while the total floating duration was extended to exceed 12 hours. The drug release was retarded to be 85.3, and 75.7 % in comparison t o 97.7, and 93.4 % respectively after 12 hours without any effect on the drug release kinetics, where the release still follows zero order kinetics. The floating tablet matrix properties and drug release were affected with Okra mucilage ratio and also the incorporation method. Depending on these results, it can be concluded that the naturally occurring Okra mucilage is a promising additive to improve the floating and release properties of gastroretentive floating matrices. ( Ahmed Khames. Modification of the Release Properties of Lornoxicam Gastroretentive Floating Tablets with the Naturally Occurring Okra Mucilage . Life Sci J 2013;10( 3 ): 251 0 - 251 9 ). (ISSN: 1097 - 8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com . 36 4