Formulation and in vitro evaluation of orodispersible tablets of fexofenadine hydrochloride

Purpose: To develop orodispersible tablets (ODTs) of fexofenadine hydrochloride using three different superdisintegrants in various ratios and to compare their disintegration properties.Methods: Direct compression technique was used for the preparation of ODTs. Mannitol and Avicel CE-15 (microcrystalline cellulose and guar gum) were used as direct compression diluents. The disintegration time of tablets using each polymer (superdisintegrant) was evaluated as well as othertablet properties including weight fluctuation, hardness, friability, wetting time and water absorption ratio.Results: Satisfactory values were obtained for all the evaluated parameters. As the polymer concentration increased, there was a decrease in disintegration time. A comparison of the three different polymers used revealed that CCM3 formulated with 12 % croscarmellose sodium and 14.66 % lactose had the least disintegration time of 32.33 ± 3.23 s. In vitro release studies showed that the maximum drug release of 94.38 ± 0.12 % in 25 min was obtained for ODT tablets containing croscarmellose sodium (CCM3).Conclusion: The orodispersible tablets had quick disintegrating property which was achieved using superdisintegrants. Thus, superdisintegrants improve the disintegration efficiency of orodispersible fexofenadine tablets at low concentrations, when compared to traditional disintegrants. Keywords: Croscarmellose sodium, Direct compression, Fexofenadine, Orodispersible tablets