Formulation Development and Evaluation of Domperidone Sustained Release Matrix Tablets by Two Different Methods Using Guar Gum as a Sustaining Agent

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate sustained release matrix tablets of domperidone using natural gum (guar gum) as a sustaining agent in different drug to polymer ratios and prepared by two different techniques i.e. by wet granulation and solvent evaporation method and evaluating the effect on drug release profile by changing the preparation technique. Guar gum is a natural polymer and used along with other excipients to develop a formulation which enhance and prolong the anti-emetic effect of domperidone matrix tablets as these polymers are easily available and more effective than other synthetic retarding agent by forming a thick gel layer on exposure to water. Domperidone is an anti emetic agent and used in the treatment of upper GIT motility by antagonistic effect on D2 receptors at CTZ, after oral administration it is eliminated from the body after few hours due to its short half life. To enhance the patient compliance and to reduce the frequency of drug administration various formulations were prepared using guar gum as a sustaining agent. Formulation F.W.G.G3 prepared by wet granulation method in which the drug to polymer ratio was 1:2 showed a prolonged effect up to 20 hours. Similarly formulations F.C.G.G3 prepared by solvent evaporation technique prolong the effect more than 18 hours which shows that the sustaining effect of the guar gum was directly proportional to the concentration of the polymer used. It was also experienced that by changing the method of preparation from wet granulation to solvent evaporation the drug release becomes constant and no fluctuation was observed as compared to wet granulation method the drug release pattern shows little bit fluctuation due to uneven distribution of the drug and polymer. Different models for kinetic study were applied like zero order, first order, Higuchi, Hixson Crowell and Korsmeyer to study the release pattern and mechanism.