Effect of various binding agents on tablet hardness and release rate profiles of diclofenac sodium tablets

Abstract

Diclofenac sodium tablets were prepared by wet granulation method using starch and PVP K-30 as binding agents. Diclofenac sodium (DS) is a substituted phenyl-acetic acid derivative; widely used in the management of many inflammatory conditions. It also has analgesic and antipyretic actions. The effects of binding agents on the physical characteristics of the Diclofenac granules were studied. The granules were evaluated for angle of repose, bulk density, compressibility index etc. and showed satisfactory results. The tablets were subjected to weight variation test, drug content, hardness, friability and in vitro release studies. The in vitro dissolution study was carried out for one hour using United States Pharmacopoeia USP- 2 (paddle-type dissolution apparatus) in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) as dissolution media. All the tablet formulations showed acceptable pharmacotechnical properties and complied with pharmacopoeial specifications. The results indicated that a decrease in release kinetics of the drug was observed with starch as binder than with PVP K-30. The mechanical and release properties of Diclofenac sodium tablets formulated with povidone (PVP) and starch as binders were studied and compared. A good correlation between various physical parameters of granules and tablets was observed. The PVP-K30 showed better binding properties compared to the starch (potato).