Effect of formulation variables on diclofenac sodium matrices

Over the past few years, interest in developing plant derived materials as formulation excipients has increased because of need in safe and novel excipients. Plant based materials such as gums and mucilages are gaining popularity in novel drug delivery systems due to their varying properties. The present study aims at developing matrix systems of diclofenac sodium using various gums. Release rate from the matrix systems is affected by various formulation variables. Formulation variables such as gum and its concentration, type of diluent used were investigated in this study. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase I: Formulation of matrix systems using different gums at different concentrations. Phase II: Formulation of matrix systems using different diluents with the best concentration of each gum when compared to a marketed product. Statistical evaluation of these processes was done to determine statistical significance. Thus the research work was successful in developing matrix tablets with desired effects using natural gums