Abstract

The grafting of carboxymethyl tamarind polysaccharide with methacrylic acid was done by using ammonium persulfate as an initiator. The grafting reaction was done by a conventional method. The grafted copolymer and the native polymer were then used to prepare matrix tablets loaded with ibuprofen for the pH-dependent release of ibuprofen in the intestinal region. The effect of grafting reaction conditions on percentage grafting and percentage grafting efficiency was studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the grafting reaction. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies indicated that ibuprofen crystallinity was maintained in the matrix formulations. The important finding of the investigation was that the matrix tablets provided pH-dependent sustained ibuprofen release in the intestinal pH which would bypass the problems associated with ibuprofen administration and thereby enhance patient acceptability and compliance. The matrix tablets released <8 % of the loaded ibuprofen in the gastric pH and provided sustained ibuprofen release in intestinal pH. Future directions should perform the in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. It can be concluded that the developed hydrogel matrix tablets could be used to prevent gastric disorders associated with ibuprofen and enhance patient compliance by reducing the dosing frequency.