Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Science

The present investigation is aimed at formulating and evaluating controlled release tablets of Milnacipran HCL using different grades of HPMC polymers such asHPMC K100M, HPMC K15M and HPMC K4M. The controlled release tablets were prepared by direct compression method. The powders for tableting were evaluated for angle of repose, loose bulk density, tapped bulk density, compressibility index and Hausner's ratio etc. The powder blend showed satisfactory flow properties. The tablets were subjected to thickness, average weight, drug content, hardness, friability and in-vitro release studies. All the formulations showed good results which were compliance with Pharmacopoeial standards. In-vitro drug release studies were carried out using USP dissolution apparatus type II paddle type at 50 rpm with 900 ml phosphate buffer solutions of pH 6.8, maintained at 37±0.5°C. The controlled release tablets containing 1: 3 ratio Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K100M) (Formulation M3) were show good initial release and extended the release up to 12 hours. The release data for formulation M3 was fitted to various mathematical models like zero order, first order, Krosmeyer Peppas and Higuchi model. It was observed that drug follows Peppas release kinetics mechanism.