Abstract

In the present research, an attempt has been made to develop controlled-release formulations of propranolol hydrochloride using guar gum as a carrier and also to study the influence of some cellulose ethers like sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and ethylcellulose on the in vitro release of propranolol hydrochloride from guar gum matrix tablets. In vitro release studies indicated that 30 % of guar gum was the minimum concentration of guar gum that can be used to sustain the release for 12 h. Combination of guar gum and cellulose ethers were found to be effective in retarding the release of propranolol hydrochloride, The ratios of guar gum:cellulose ethers which showed better retarding of drug release were, 1:1 2:1, 2:1 and 5:1 for guar gum:sodium carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum:hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, guar gum:hydroxypropylcellulose and guar gum:ethylcellulose, respectively. In vitro dissolution kinetics followed a first order release via Fickian diffusion controlled mechanism. IR spectroscopy revealed that there was no interaction between the drug and the polymers used in the investigation.