Formulation and evolution of matrix tablets- a review

Abstract

Formulations that are able to control the release of drug have become an integral part of the pharmaceutical industry. Many of the pharmaceutical dosage form are formulated as sustained release dosage form to retard the release of a therapeutic agent such that its appearance in the systemic circulation is prolonged and its plasma profile is sustained in duration. Tablets offer the lowest cost approach to sustained and controlled release dosage forms. Matrix tablets serves as an important tool for oral extended- release dosage forms. Hence, problems like patient compliance, drug targeting, local side effects, frequent administration and fluctuations in blood concentration levels, associated with their counterparts, the conventional dosage forms were solved. Oral extended release drug delivery system becomes a very promising approach for those drugs that are given orally but having the shorter half-life and high dosing frequency. Extended-release drug-delivery system reduces the dosing frequency of certain drugs by releasing the drug slowly over an extended period of time Matrix tablets may be formulated by wet granulation or direct compression methods by dispersing solid particles within a porous matrix formed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. The use of different classes of polymers in controlling the release of drugs has become the most important aspect in the formulation of matrix tablets.

Key words: Matrix tablets, Extended-release