KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF DRUG-RELEASE FROM CALCIUM ALGINATE MEMBRANE COATED TABLETS

Compressed tablets containing guaifenesin (model drug), calcium acetate (reactant) and pharmaceutical excipients were prepared. The tablets were coated with calcium alginate hydrogel using a novel, self-correcting membrane coating technique. Effects of coating time, the type of alginate polymer and pH of the dissolution medium on the rate of drug release were evaluated. In distilled water, zero order drug release profiles were obtained from the coated tablets. The release rate decreased with an increase in the coating time (increased coat thickness) and molecular weight of alginate polymer. The release rate constants correlated with model for spherical reservoir system and, were used to calculate permeability of guaifenesin in the calcium alginate coatings. Alginate polymer with higher guluronic acid content provided acid stable coating and higher molecular weight polymer produced membrane with lower permeability for guaifenesin.