Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

The objective of the present investigation is to detect interaction of Vanlafaxine HCl (VNF) and HPMC in combination with ionic polymers sodium alginate for extended release (ER) purpose by DSC and FT-IR method. In the first phase of the study, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used as tool to detect any interaction. In the next phase, excipients defined in the prototype formula were tested for their compatibility with VNF using FT-IR. In this study it was possible to observe the interactions of the VNF with magnesium stearate and lactose. In brief, tablets of VNF having an average weight of 200mg were prepared using varying quantity of HPMC K4M and release studies were carried out in phosphate pH 7.4 for a period of 12 hour to achieve extended release pattern. The tablets were also evaluated for physical properties, kinetic studies and stability studies. FTIR and DSC studies shown there was no interaction between drug, HPMC K4M and other filler excipients. The physical properties of tablets were found within the limits. Formulation F-5 having a composition of 20.0% w/w HPMC K4M and 10% sodium alginate exhibit predetermine drug release up to 12 hours following diffusion controlled swelling and slow erosion. The optimized formulations were subjected to stability studies and shown there were no significant changes in hardness, drug content and in-vitro drug release behaviours. Results of the present study indicated the suitability of the HPMC K4M hydrophilic matrix polymers in the preparation of extended release formulation of VNF.