Design and evaluation of entacapone controlled release trilayer matrix tablets in the management of parkinson’s disease

Abstract

The main objective of the present study was to prepare controlled release (CR) matrix tablets of Entacapone trilayer tablets to achieve zero-order drug release for sustained plasma concentration. Entacapone tablets were prepared by direct  compression  and  consist  of  middle  active  layer  with  different  grades  of  hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), Guar gum, ethyl cellulose; upper and lower layers were prepared with Carnauba wax, Guar gum, sodium CMC and DCP. The tablets were also evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and release kinetics. The physicochemical characteristics of the prepared tablets were satisfactory. The developed drug delivery systems showed prolonged drug release rates over a period of 24 h. The release profile of the optimized formul ation (HF14) was described by the Zero-order and Higuchi model. These results also demonstrated the suitability of three-layered tablet formulation of Entacapone to provide controlled release for prolonged period of time and improved linearity for Entacapone in comparison to marketed product with conventional drug release profile in the management of Parkinson’s disease.