Formulation and evaluation of methyldopa sustained release matrix tablets

The objective of the present study was to formulate methyldopa sustained release matrix tablets using hydrophilic hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) alone or in combination with hydrophobic ethyl cellulose polymer(EC). Matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation method, and subjected to physiochemical studies. All formulations showed physiochemical properties which appear to be in compliance with pharmacopeial standards. The in-vitro dissolution studies showed that increase in concentration or viscosity of HPMC polymer led to decrease in the rate of drug release decreased. The results also revealed that Combination of HPMC K4M and EC slower drug release more than using HPMC K4M alone. Drug release kinetics of about all formulations correspond best to Korsemeyer-Peppas model and drug release mechanism was anomalous diffusion based on release exponent value.