The objective of the present study was to prepare the fast disintegrating tablet of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride in combined tablet dosage form for respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, asthma, and coughing for pediatrics and geriatrics. The tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. Superdisintegrant such as Sodium Starch Glycolate was optimized as 4% on the basis of least disintegration time. Different binders such as MCC and PVP K-30 were optimized along with optimized superdisintegrant concentration. 1% MCC was selected as optimum binder concentration on the basis of least disintegration time. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, wetting time, disintegration time, and drug content uniformity. Optimized formulation was further evaluated by in vitro dissolution test, drug-excipient compatibility, and accelerated stability study. Percent weight variation and content uniformity were within the acceptable limit. The friability was less than 1%. The wetting time and disintegration time were practically good for all formulations. FTIR studies and accelerated stability study showed that there was no interaction between the drug and excipients. It was concluded that, by employing commonly available pharmaceutical excipients such as superdisintegrants, hydrophilic and swellable excipients and proper filler, a fast disintegrating tablet of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride in combined tablet dosage form, were formulated successfully with desired characteristics.
Fast disintegrating tablets (FDTs) have received ever-increasing demand during the last decade, and the field has become a rapidly growing area in the pharmaceutical industry. Recent advancements in novel drug delivery system (NDDS) aim to enhance safety and efficacy of drug molecule by formulating a convenient dosage form for administration in order to achieve better patient compliance. One such approach is “fast disintegrating tablet.” Many patients find it difficult to swallow tablets and hard gelatin capsules that results in high incidence of noncompliance and ineffective therapy [
Recent developments in the technology have prompted scientists to develop FDTs with improved patient compliance and convenience. Upon introduction into the mouth, these tablets dissolve or disintegrate in the mouth in the absence of additional water for easy administration of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The popularity and usefulness of the formulation resulted in development of several FDT technologies. FDTs are solid unit dosage forms, which disintegrate or dissolve rapidly in the mouth without chewing and water [
Formulations of the drugs chosen in combination for the treatment of asthmatic cough and other respiratory disorders are available in the market in conventional tablet and liquid dosage forms. Liquid dosage forms are having their own limitation from stability and dose measurement perspectives. Tablets to be swallowed are resisted by children patients and patient compliance is an issue with such dosage forms. Hence they do not comply with the prescription, which results in high incidence of noncompliance and ineffective therapy. Salbutamol sulphate is a
Salbutamol sulphate and cetirizine hydrochloride were obtained as gift samples from Trojan Pharma, Baddi, India. Microcrystalline Cellulose (Avicel PH-102) was received as gift sample from NB Entrepreneurs, Nagpur, India. Sodium Starch Glycolate (Primojel) and directly compressible mannitol (D-mannitol) were obtained from Qualikems Fine Chem Pvt. Ltd. Sodium Stearyl Fumarate was purchased from HiMedia. Sodium Saccharin was obtained from Loba Chemie, Mumbai, and talc from Nice Chemicals Private Limited, Hyderabad, India. PVP K-30 was obtained from HiMedia. All the chemicals and reagents used in research work were of analytical grade.
In the development of fast disintegrating tablets, the most important parameter that needs to be optimized is the disintegration time. Fast disintegrating tablets were prepared firstly using different excipients (binders and superdisintegrants) and then evaluated for various parameters like friability, hardness, and disintegration time to select the best combination for formulation of fast disintegrating tablets. The combination with the lowest disintegration time, optimum hardness, and friability was selected for further study.
Total six formulations (F1–F6) were manufactured to study the effect of type and concentration of superdisintegrants shown in Table
Formula for 1 tablet (200 mg) of different concentration of SSG (data in mg).
Serial number | Ingredients | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | F6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Salbutamol Sulphate | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
2 | Cetirizine Hydrochloride | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
3 | Sodium Starch Glycolate | 2 |
4 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
4 | Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
5 | Sodium Stearyl Fumarate | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
6 | Talc | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
7 | Sodium Saccharin | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
8 | Mannitol | 176 | 174 | 170 | 166 | 162 | 158 |
Total 14 formulations (F1–F14) were manufactured to study the effect of type of binder with optimized concentration of superdisintegrants shown in Table
Formula for 1 tablet (200 mg) for the optimization of PVP K-30 or MCC with optimized concentration of SSG.
Serial number | Ingredients | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | F6 | F7 | F8 | F9 | F10 | F11 | F12 | F13 | F14 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Salbutamol Sulphate | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
2 | Cetirizine Hydrochloride | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
3 | Sodium Starch Glycolate | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
4 | Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
5 | Microcrystalline Cellulose | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
6 | Sodium Stearyl Fumarate | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
7 | Talc | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
8 | Sodium Saccharin | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
9 | Mannitol | 174 | 172 | 170 | 168 | 166 | 164 | 162 | 174 | 172 | 170 | 168 | 166 | 164 | 162 |
Fast disintegrating tablets of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloridein combined form were manufactured by direct compression technique, the formula of which is shown in Table
Formula of albutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride FDT (data in mg).
Serial |
Ingredients | Formula for |
Formula for |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Cetirizine Hydrochloride | 5 | 1000 |
2 | Salbutamol Sulphate | 2 | 400 |
3 | Sodium Starch Glycolate | 8 | 1600 |
4 | Microcrystalline Cellulose | 2 | 400 |
5 | Sodium Stearyl Fumarate | 4 | 800 |
6 | Talc | 2 | 400 |
7 | Sodium Saccharin | 8 | 1600 |
8 | Mint Flavor | 8 | 1600 |
9 | Mannitol | 161 | 32200 |
Weight variation test was done by weighing 20 tablets individually by using digital weighting balance (Ohaus, USA). Calculate the average weight and compare the individual tablet weight to the average weight of 20 tablets (Table
Weight variation limit as per IP.
Average weight of tablet | Deviation % |
---|---|
80 mg or less | ±10 |
More than 80 mg but less than 250 mg | ±7.5 |
250 mg or more | ±5 |
The thickness of tablets was measured by placing tablet between two arms of the vernier caliper (Indian caliper industries, Ambala, India). Three tablets from each batch were taken and an average thickness was measured [
The strength of tablet is expressed as tensile strength (Kg/cm2). The tablet crushing load is the force required to break a tablet into halves by compression. It was measured using a Monsanto Hardness Tester (Perfit). Three tablets from each formulation batch were taken randomly and the average reading was noted [
The friability of the tablets was measured in a Roche friabilator (Camp-bell Electronics, Mumbai). Tablets of a known weight
The disintegration time of the tablet was measured in water (
A piece of tissue paper folded twice was placed in a small Petri dish (ID6.5 cm) containing 6 mL of distilled water being taken. A tablet containing a small quantity of amaranth color was placed on this being put on the paper and the time for the upper surface of the tablet to become complete red was measured. Three trials for each were performed [
Ten tablets were powdered and the blend equivalent to 2 mg of salbutamol sulphate and 5 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride was weighed and dissolved in suitable quantity of 6.8 pH phosphate buffer. The solution was sonicated, filtered, and suitably diluted and the drug content was determined from simultaneous equation method by using Double Beam UV Spectrophotometer (UV-1800 Shimadzu) at 276 nm and 230 nm wavelengths corresponding to salbutamol sulphate and cetirizine hydrochloride, respectively. Each sample was analyzed in triplicate [
In vitro dissolution studies for all the fabricated tablets were carried out using USP eight-stage dissolution testing apparatus-2 (paddle method) (Lab, India), at 50 rpm in 500 mL of phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.8 at
By putting the values of absorbances
FTIR spectra of pure drugs and formulated FDT containing drugs were recorded on FTIR Spectrophotometer (Bruker, USA). This study generally includes FTIR spectroscopy and these are generally performed to confirm the drug-excipient compatibility. FTIR spectra of samples were recorded in scanning range of 4000 to 600 cm−1 and the resolution was 1 cm−1. FTIR scans were then evaluated for shifting and masking and appearance of new peaks due to drug-excipient incompatibility [
Accelerated stability studies were performed out on formulated FDTs (formulated in three primary batches) which were wrapped in aluminium foil and then stored in air-tight containers that is impermeable to solid, liquid, and gases, for a period of one month as prescribed by ICH guidelines at temperature of
An attempt was made in the present investigation to make a fast disintegrating tablet of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride in combination by direct compression method by employing superdisintegrant such as Sodium Starch Glycolate and mannitol as directly compressible diluent and Sodium Saccharin was used to enhance palatability. MCC (Avicel PH 102) was used in the formulation as a disintegrant and a binder. To impart pleasant taste and improve mouth feel, Sodium Saccharin was included as sweetening agent which is 400 times sweeter than sucrose. Sodium Stearyl Fumarate was used as a lubricant because of its water soluble nature and directly compressible features.
For optimal bioavailability and rapid absorption, the selection of the optimum concentration of superdisintegrant is necessary for rapid disintegration of tablets. Superdisintegrant decreases the disintegration time, resulting in the enhancement of dissolution rate of the drug. Therefore, for the formulation of rapidly disintegrating dosage forms, the proper selection of optimum concentration of superdisintegrant is of vital importance in dosage form development of FDTs. The results for optimization of superdisintegrant concentration in FDTs by direct compression method are shown in Table
Evaluation parameters for the optimization of Sodium Starch Glycolate.
Serial |
Evaluation parameters | F1 |
F2 |
F3 |
F4 |
F5 |
F6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Weight variation (IP) | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed |
2 | Friability (%) | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
3 |
Hardness |
2.2 ± 0.57 | 1.6 ± 0.28 | 1.5 ± 0.28 | 1.5 ± 0.32 | 2.0 ± 0.57 | 1.8 ± 0.28 |
4 | Disintegration time |
80 ± 2.34 | 59 ± 6.67 |
|
49 ± 6.38 | 78 ± 7.39 | 95 ± 6.97 |
From the evaluation parameters, it was observed that 4%
To study the effect of binders with the optimized concentration of SSG on the disintegration time, hardness, and friability of tablets, total 14 formulations (F1–F14) were prepared using different concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30) or Microcrystalline Cellulose. The results for optimization of different binder in FDTs are given in Table
Evaluation parameters for the optimization of PVP K-30 or MCC with optimized concentration of SSG.
Formula number | Evaluation parameters | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Weight variation (IP) | Friability (%) | Hardness |
Disintegration time |
|
F1 | Passed | 0.1 | 2.2 ± 0.28 | 60 ± 1.78 |
F2 | Passed | 0.2 | 1.8 ± 0.28 |
|
F3 | Passed | 0.5 | 2.0 ± 0.00 | 69 ± 2.89 |
F4 | Passed | 0.3 | 3.2 ± 0.76 | 83 ± 2.40 |
F5 | Passed | 0.3 | 1.6 ± 0.50 | 90 ± 5.16 |
F6 | Passed | 0.8 | 2.5 ± 0.50 | 120 ± 5.77 |
F7 | Passed | 0.8 | 2.0 ± 0.00 | 145 ± 5.43 |
F8 | Passed | 0.1 | 1.5 ± 0.50 |
|
F9 | Passed | 0.1 | 1.5 ± 0.28 | 47 ± 2.34 |
F10 | Passed | 0.2 | 1.5 ± 0.28 | 62 ± 3.10 |
F11 | Passed | 0.1 | 1.8 ± 0.28 | 75 ± 1.32 |
F12 | Passed | 0.1 | 1.5 ± 0.28 | 82 ± 2.08 |
F13 | Passed | 0.1 | 1.8 ± 0.28 | 94 ± 3.67 |
F14 | Passed | 0.1 | 1.8 ± 0.28 | 110 ± 2.78 |
It was observed from the evaluation parameters that the disintegration time of the formulation F8 was further decreased and friability and hardness of tablets comply with the IP limits. The least disintegration time was observed in
Tablets were prepared using direct compression technique. The drug content was found in the range of 85–115% of the label claim (acceptable limit) and friability of the tablets was found below 1% indicating a good mechanical resistance of tablets. The in vitro disintegration time (DT) of the tablets was found to be less than 60 sec as shown in Table
Evaluation parameters for Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride FDT.
Serial |
Evaluation parameters | Results |
---|---|---|
1 | Weight variation (IP) | Passed |
2 | Thickness |
3.63 ± 0.06 |
3 | Hardness |
1.8 ± 0.29 |
4 | Friability (%) | 0.3 |
5 | Disintegration time |
45 ± 2.34 |
6 | Wetting time |
28 ± 1.53 |
7 | Drug content uniformity |
SAL-100.8 ± 3.36, |
From the in vitro dissolution data it was observed that
In vitro dissolution profile of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride FDT.
The results obtained with FTIIR studies showed that there was no interaction between the drug and other excipients used in the formulation. The FTIR spectra of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride had shown intense absorption band at 1384.70 cm−1, 1613.03 cm−1, and 1384.70 cm−1 corresponding to the presence of functional groups such as Tri-methyl group, secondary amine group, and phenol group in salbutamol sulphate and at 756.96 cm−1, 1318.89 cm−1, 1024.90 cm−1, and 1191.03 cm−1 corresponding to the presence of functional groups such as aliphatic chloro compound, carboxylic acid, alkyl substituted ether, and tertiary amine in cetirizine hydrochloride. The FTIR of salbutamol sulphate, cetirizine hydrochloride FDT formulation showing intense absorption bands at 1388.28 cm−1, 1610.83 cm−1, and 1388.28 cm−1 and at 757.55 cm−1, 1312.78 cm−1, 1019.73 cm−1, and 1194.89 cm−1 indicates no change in the functional groups confirmed undisturbed structure of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride, which indicates no drug-excipient incompatibility as shown in Figures
FTIR spectra of physical mixture of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride.
FTIR spectra of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride FDT.
Accelerated stability studies were carried out on formulated FDTs (formulated in three primary batches) as prescribed by ICH guidelines, wrapped in aluminium foil to prevent the formulation from exposure to light to simulate the aluminum packaging that is Alu Alu packing of drug products, and stored in air-tight containers which is impermeable to solid, liquid, and gases, for one-month period. The product is exposed to normal and extreme condition of temperature and humidity. The stability data of formulation was given in Tables
Stability data of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride FDT at room temperature and at ambient humidity.
Evaluation parameters | Time interval | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Data of three primary batches on | |||||||||
0 day | 15th day | 30th day | |||||||
B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | |
Hardness |
1.5 ± 0.29 | 1.8 ± 0.29 | 1.5 ± 0.29 | 1.5 ± 0.00 | 1.5 ± 0.00 | 1.7 ± 0.29 | 1.5 ± 0.00 | 1.5 ± 0.29 | 1.5 ± 0.29 |
Friability (%) | 1 | 0.6 | 1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
Drug content uniformity |
SAL-100.8 ± 3.36, |
SAL-95.6 ± 2.34, |
SAL-93.8 ± 1.24, |
SAL-99.5 ± 2.14, |
SAL-94.5 ± 2.67, |
SAL-94.8 ± 1.23, |
SAL-98.3 ± 1.98, |
SAL-95.4 ± 1.65, |
SAL-95.7 ± 3.63, |
Disintegration time |
39 ± 2.28 | 47 ± 1.80 | 42 ± 3.01 | 42 ± 3.97 | 50 ± 4.52 | 47 ± 1.66 | 46 ± 2.83 | 49 ± 2.52 | 48 ± 3.75 |
Stability data of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride FDT at temperature (40° ± 2°C) and at ambient humidity.
Evaluation parameters | Time interval | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Data of three primary batches on | |||||||||
0 day | 15th day | 30th day | |||||||
B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | |
Hardness |
1.5 ± 0.29 | 1.8 ± 0.29 | 1.5 ± 0.29 | 2.5 ± 0.00 | 2.2 ± 0.29 | 2.5 ± 0.00 | 2.5 ± 0.00 | 2.5 ± 0.29 | 3.2 ± 0.29 |
Friability (%) | 1 | 0.6 | 1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.1 |
Drug content uniformity |
SAL-100.8 ± 3.36, |
SAL-95.6 ± 2.34, |
SAL-93.8 ± 1.24, |
SAL-98.5 ± 2.14, |
SAL-99.4 ± 2.67, |
SAL-90.42 ± 3.64, |
SAL-92.8 ± 1.98, |
SAL-99 ± 1.65, |
SAL-97.6 ± 3.63, |
Disintegration time |
39 ± 2.28 | 47 ± 1.80 | 42 ± 3.01 | 49 ± 2.38 | 55 ± 3.08 | 51 ± 1.76 | 55 ± 2.09 | 61 ± 1.89 | 58 ± 2.96 |
The result of the stability study indicated that there were not much differences observed in hardness, disintegration time, drug content uniformity, and friability before and after the storage period at room temperature and at ambient humidity but at temperature of 40°C ± 2°C and at ambient humidity hardness was increasing with time, prolonging the DT of the tablet [
Fast disintegrating tablets of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride in combination were prepared by direct compression method using Sodium Starch Glycolate as a superdisintegrant and commonly available excipient. The tablets disintegrated rapidly in oral cavity and had acceptable hardness and friability. In vitro drug release from the tablets shows rapid drug dissolution. From the above study, it was concluded that, by employing commonly available pharmaceutical excipients such as superdisintegrants, hydrophilic and swellable excipients and proper filler, a fast disintegrating tablet of Salbutamol Sulphate, Cetirizine Hydrochloride FDT used in respiratory disorders, were formulated successfully with desired characteristics in combined pharmaceutical dosage form which disintegrated rapidly, providing rapid onset of action and enhancing the patient convenience and compliance. The technique adopted was found to be economical and industrially feasible.
The authors declare that they do not have any financial and personal relationships with other people or any other organizations that could inappropriately influence this research work.
All authors are highly acknowledged to NB Entrepreneurs, Nagpur, and Trojan Pharma, Baddi, India, for providing gift samples of Avicel PH-102 and drug and CT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jalandhar, for their efforts to facilitate the use of the necessary instruments and materials required during the entire course of this research work.