A comparative study on effect of polymers on release kinetics glimepiride matrix tablet

Objective: The Present investigation was performed to find out the effect of synthetic and natural polymers on the release properties of glimepiride matrix tablet. Glimepiride is a first third generation sulphonyl urea agent for the treatment of type- II diabetes mellitus. Methocel K15M, Olibanum Gum were used as key release modifying polymers. Methods: Nine formulations were prepared taking different concentration of natural and synthetic polymers, The drug excipient mixtures were subjected to pre-compression studies. The tablets were prepared by direct compression method; all formulations were subjected to physicochemical studies, in- vitro drug release, kinetic studies and stability studies. The physicochemical results were found within the limits. Results: FTIR study interpretation did not show any drug–excipient interaction The drug release from the optimized formulation F-7 was extended for a period of 12 hours. The release kinetics of F-7 formulation showed that the release of drug follows zero order models. The optimized formulations were subjected to stability studies and shown there were no significant changes in drug content, physicochemical parameters and release pattern. Conclusions: Results of the present study indicated the suitability of the above mentioned polymers in the preparation of sustained release formulation of Glimepiride for the management of type-II diabetes mellitus effectively.