Formulation and evaluation of gastroretentive controlled release tablets of alfuzosin hydrochloride.

Alfuzosin hydrochloride is a novel drug used in the treatment of urinary incontinency. The purpose of this research was to develop controlled release floating matrix formulations of Alfuzosin HCl. Floating matrix tablets of Alfuzosin HCl were prepared using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Polyethylene oxide (PEO), Carbopol 971P NF polymer (Direct compressible) and Blend of Polyvinyl Acetate and Povidone 30 (80:19:1(0.8% sodium laury sulfate and 0.2% silica)). Combination of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate were also used as gas forming agent. Matrix formulations were prepared by direct compression method and evaluated for floating, in vitro drug release profile and swelling characteristics. The mechanism of drug release was found to follow non-Fickian or anomalous type. The data obtained from the invitro release studies demonstrated that the floating matrix tablets containing HPMC 100K CR (controlled-release) and carbopol along with sodium CMC were found to sustain the release of drug over a period of 12 hours. Formulations containing 25% PEO 303WSR was also capable of sustaining delivery the release of Alfuzosin HCl.