An evaluation of the bioadhesive performance and release of bioerodable metronidazole tablets

The bioadhesive performance and some other physical properties of the tablets were evaluated. The tablets showed higher bioadhesive strength than the polymers in dispersion. However, tablets formulated with SCMC had higher bioadhesive strength than the Detarium based tablets. The bioadhesion of the tablets increased with an increase in binder concentration. The tablets showed satisfactory hardness and friability values. However all the tablets failed the disintegration time test. The disintegration times of the tablets formulated with Detarium gum were lower in 0.1N HCI than the tablets prepared with SCMC while the reverse was the case in Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF). Moreover, the rate of drug dissolution was higher in 0.1N HCI for the tablets formulated with Detarium gum. Key Words: Bioadhesive, Strength, Hardness, Friability, Disintegration Time and Dissolution Rate. Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol.1 2003: 18-23