Losartan potassium is a potent antihypertensive drug which is a highly specific Angiotensin II Type/AT1receptor antagonist. It is readily absorbed from the gastro intestinal tract, having oral bioavailability 33% and plasma elimination half life of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The present study is an attempt to increase therapeutic efficacy, reduce frequency of administration and improve patient compliance of Losartan potassium by developing sustained release tablets. It was formulated into gastroretentive floating tablets, employing a new floating polymer tamarind kernel gum and known polymers HPMC-K4M , HPMC-K15M and HPMCK100M. Even though there are several floating polymers, there is a continuous need to develop new floating polymer for better buoyancy and controlled release of drug. Isolated tamarind kernel gum is off white, free flowing and amorphous in nature. Preformulation studies were carried out to evaluate the parameters like powder flow properties, loss on drying, Drug-excipient compatibility and stress stability. All formulations showed acceptable IP specifications for weight variation, thickness, hardness and friability. The dissolution studies showed release of drug over a period of 16 hours . So it was concluded that tamarind kernel gum in combination with synthetic polymers could be used as floating and controlled release polymer in the formulation of gastroretentive formulations.

Tags: MET Institute of Pharmacy