Stavudine Sintered Matrix Tablet: Formulation and Evaluation

Stavudine has half life (t_1/2) 1.5 hours; therefore it needs to be frequently administered during therapy which gives patient incompliance. A sintered matrix tablet reduces the dosing frequency and increases patient compliance. Therefore, in this study attempt has been done to design and evaluate the effect of processing methods, sintering condition and subsequent drug release of Stavudine sintered matrix tablet. Tablets were prepared using combination of Eudragit RS 100 (22 -33%w/w) and Compritol 888 ATO (9–13%w/w) by direct compression. The prepared tablets were sintered using 40° c temperature and acetone saturation for varying time period. The sintered tablets were characterized by micro-morphology and in vitro dissolution tests. It was evident that different processing methods, time of sintering for identical formulation significantly impact the release profile of drug. From prepared matrices, it was noticed that the Stavudine release rate was inversely related to time of sintering.