FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FAST DISSOLVING TABLET USING LOCUST BEAN GUM AS A NATURAL SUPERDISINTEGRANT AND COMPARISON WITH THE MARKETED PREPARATION

The aim was to formulate and evaluate fast dissolving tablets of diclofenac sodium to improve the bioavailability of the drug and patient compliance. Fast dissolving tablets of diclofenac sodium were prepared by direct compression method by using superdisintegrants (locust bean gum) in 2%, 3%, 4% 5% & 6% concentration respectively. Tablets were formulated by using natural superdisintegrants locust bean gum (LBG). This formulated mixture i.e., drug and LBG was mixed with other excipients and the tablets were compressed by direct compression. Formulated tablets were characterized by FTIR, pre-compression and post-compression parameters. The In vitro drug release studies were performed in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. Formulated tablets were characterized by FTIR, the results of IR study showed that there was no interaction between superdisintegrant and pure drug, the results of FTIR study showed that drug was stable in the final formulated tablet. The drug content was evaluated with the help of assay. Five (F1-F5) formulations were evaluated for pre-compression and post-compression parameters and all the results were in the standard limits. Formulated dosage form may be an effective alternative to conventional dosage form which can be effectively used in the treatment of inflammation specially in cases of acute pain.