DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BILAYER TABLETS OF ETODOLAC USING SOME SYNTHETIC AND NATURAL POLYMERS

Etodolac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to manage rheumatoid arthritis associated symptoms via inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathways and other inflammatory mediators.  Controlled release medication decreases the frequency of administration and diminishes the sleeping problems, yet the morning complications are not exterminated. Therefore, researches were directed towards designing bilayer tablets of Etodolac using some synthetic and natural polymers to include a fast release layer for rapid onset of action, beside a sustained release layer for drug level maintenance. Direct compression was followed to manufacture the tablets of Etodolac. Optimized formulation IF-7 of Instant release layer and optimized formulation of F-7 for control release used for formulation of Bi-layer tablet. Further bilayer tablets were evaluated for general appearance, thickness and diameter, hardness, friability, uniformity of weight, drug content and dissolution rate studies. the Bilayer tablets of Etodolac could be formulated using HPMC K4, HPMC K15 and Xanthan gum polymer, which is much more effective in treating inflammation.

Key words: Etodolac, Anti-inflammatory, Bilayer tablets, formulation, Evaluation