Influence of different viscosity grade Methocel and Ethocel polymers for the development of controlled release dimenhydrinate matrix tablets

Dimenhydrinate is a therapeutic agent used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. A conventional dose of dimenhydrinate is 50 mg per 8 h. Once-daily controlled release tablets of dimenhydrinate were formulated intended to treat emesis. The tablets were formulated using hydrophilic polymers Methocel® and hydrophobic polymers Ethocel® and subsequently analyzed for pre-compression and post-compression characteristics, % moisture uptake, dissolution profiles and release behavior of the drug. Identification of active ingredient and compatibility of blends were analyzed through FT-IR. Drug release kinetics of dimenhydrinate was assessed at pH 1.2, 4.5 and 6.8. The results of release profiles were evaluated for different kinetic models including model dependent and model independent. The optimized formulation K100M 30% showed ideal pre-compression properties and in vitro characteristics. Tablets exhibited a controlled drug release pattern due to the formation of a viscous gel layer followed by erosion. Furthermore, zero-order best described the release pattern with the value of r2 ˃ 0.99. Once-daily tablets released 98–100% drug in 24 h. Significantly more concentration and higher viscosity grade of hydrophilic polymer ensured the required pattern of drug release.