Development and In-Vitro Evaluation of Plantago ovata Based Rapid Disintegrating Tablets of Labetalol Hydrochloride.

Objectives: To avoid swallowing problems of conventional tablets and improved patient compliance Plantago Ovata based Labetalol HCl Rapid disintegrating tablets have been prepared. Methods: Six different (F1 to F6) batches of Labetalol HCl Rapid disintegrating tablets were developed by 'direct compression method' using Plantago ovata as a natural super-disintegrating agent. The formulated RDT were tested for angle of repose', densities like tapped and bulk density, Hausner's ratio, Carr's index like pre-compression parameters and for thickness, weight variation or weight uniformity, tablet hardness, % drug content or content uniformity, water absorption ratio', time require for wetting of tablets' means wetting time, in-vitro drug disintegration time and in-vitro drug dissolution studies under post-compression parameters of evaluation. Results: It was found that the all the results of these pre-compression and post-compression parameters comply with official standards. The drug release was determined using dissolution media of pH 6.8 phosphate buffer through in-vitro dissolution of drug. This study showed that a rapid drug release by prepared tablets. The optimized formulation F6 showed higher water absorption ratio, lower wetting time, minimum in-vitro disintegration time' and higher drug release amongst all the formulations. The F6 formulation was considered the best among all formulations. Conclusion: The prepared rapid disintegrating tablets shows rapid onset of action by quick drug release, minimize side effects and enhanced patient compliance. These prepared tablets containing selective alpha-1 and non-selective beta adrenergic antagonist' drug candidate Labetalol HCl, will be very useful in the treatment of high blood pressure with enhanced bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]