FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ORODISPERSIBLE TABLETS OF ZOLMITRIPTAN

Abstract

Introduction: Zolmitriptan is used to treat migraine headache, and it works only when a migraine attack has started, it will not stop from getting an attack. Zolmitriptan is rapidly and well absorbed, the absolute bioavailability is approximately 40percent.

Objective: The present study is to formulate and evaluate an Orodispersible tablet for Zolmitriptan to treat migraine headache with rapid onset of action and also to improve the bioavailability by avoiding the first pass hepatic metabolism.

Material and Methods: Orodispersible tablets containing the Zolmitriptan by using different diluents such as Avicel, Spray dried lactose, Pearlitol and Starlac and different super disintegrant such as SSG, L-HPC, CCS and Crospovidone. Tablets were prepared by direct compression method and sublimation method by using Menthol and Camphor as subliming agent and their pre and post compression parameters were determined. The dissolution studies were performed at 37°C±5°C and at 50 rpm in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer.

Results: The drug content of all the formulations was within the acceptable limits. The tablets containing Avicel as diluents with L-HPC as super disintegrate showed less disintegration time with maximum drug release. So we used Avicel for sublimation method by using Menthol and Camphor as subliming agent and found Menthol as the better subliming agent.

Conclusion: Formulation with insoluble diluents and disintegrants were found to be better than tablets containing soluble diluents and disintegrants. By sublimation method, menthol was found better than camphor in disintegration and drug release.

Key words: Orodispersible tablets, diluents, disintegrants, Zolmitriptan.