Preparation and Evaluation of Sustained-Release Matrix Tablets Based on Metoprolol and an Acrylic Carrier Using Injection Moulding

T. Quinten, W. Bouquet, J.P. Remon, C. Vervaet, G.P. Andrews, D.S. Jones, T. De Beer, L. Saerens, P. Hornsby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Sustained-release matrix tablets based on Eudragit RL and RS were manufactured by injection moulding. The influence of process temperature; matrix composition; drug load, plasticizer level; and salt form of metoprolol: tartrate (MPT), fumarate (MPF) and succinate (MPS) on ease of processing and drug release were evaluated. Formulations composed of 70/30% Eudragit RL/MPT showed the fastest drug release, substituting part of Eudragit RL by RS resulted in slower drug release, all following first-order release kinetics. Drug load only affected drug release of matrices composed of Eudragit RS: a higher MPT concentration yielded faster release rates. Adding triethyl citrate enhanced the processability, but was detrimental to long-term stability. The process temperature and plasticizer level had no effect on drug release, whereas metoprolol salt form significantly influenced release properties. The moulded tablets had a low porosity and a smooth surface morphology. A plasticizing effect of MPT, MPS and MPF on Eudragit RS and Eudragit RL was observed via DSC and DMA. Solubility parameter assessment, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction demonstrated the formation of a solid solution immediately after production, in which H-bonds were formed between metoprolol and Eudragit as evidenced by near-infrared spectroscopy. However, high drug loadings of MPS and MPF showed a tendency to recrystallise during storage. The in vivo performance of injection-moulded tablets was strongly dependent upon drug loading.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-15
Number of pages15
JournalAAPS PharmSciTech
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Jan 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmaceutical Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Preparation and Evaluation of Sustained-Release Matrix Tablets Based on Metoprolol and an Acrylic Carrier Using Injection Moulding'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this