Controlled Release Lercanidipine Tablets: A Study on Formulation and Evaluation by Wet Granulation

Lercanidipine blocks the entry of extracellular calcium into vascular and cardiac muscle cells, preventing myocardial smooth muscle contraction due to decreased intracellular calcium. This results in the dilation of coronary and systemic arteries, reducing blood pressure. This study aimed to develop and evaluate lercanidipine controlled-release tablets for oral administration using polymers like HPMC K 100M, sodium alginate, and guar gum. Lercanidipine, polymers, and diluents were sieved and mixed for 10 minutes. Granules were formed using isopropyl alcohol, dried at 60°C for one hour, and sieved. The granules were lubricated with colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil-200) and magnesium stearate, blended for 5 minutes, and compressed using a rotary machine (average weight: 500 mg; hardness: 5-6 kg/cm²). Bulk and tapped densities were nearly identical for all formulations. Compressibility index and Hausner ratio ranged from ?18 to 1.09-1.21, indicating good flow properties. Tablet thickness ranged from 5.82 to 5.91 mm, hardness from 5.9 to 6.3 kg/cm², and friability was less than 1.0 %W/W. Drug content was between 98-102%. The controlled-release order from dissolution data was F9 > F7 > F8, showing optimal release with a combination of HPMC and two natural polymers.