DOI: 10.21276/sajp.2019.8.3.2

Pages: 57-73

Metformin hydrochloride (MET) is an oral hypoglycaemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes and diminishes basal plasma levels of glucose. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize MET matrix tablets for SR application. The SR matrix tablet of MET was prepared by wet granulation technique using Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose of different viscosity grades (HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M, and HPMC K100M). The influence of varying the polymer ratios was evaluated. The excipients used in this study did not modify physicochemical properties of the drug. MET has relatively short plasma half-life, low absolute bioavailability. The need for the administration 2 to 3 times a day when larger doses are required can decrease patient fulfilment. SR formulation that would maintain plasma level for 8-12 h might be sufficient for daily dosing of MET. SR products are needed for MET to prolong its duration of action and to improve patient compliances. The developed formulation of tablet (F1 to F6) was evaluated for pre-compression and post–compression method.