Formulation of Diclofenac Sodium tablets using Tapioca starch powder- A promising binder

Abstract

Formulation research is oriented towards increasing safety and efficacy of existing drug molecule through novel concepts of drug delivery. Diclofenac is a semi-synthetic NSAID used as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. An attempt was made to identify the use of a natural product tapioca starch as binding agent in the formulation of Diclofenac tablets. To establish two other commonly used disintegrating agents potato starch and maize starch were selected and formulated for comparison. Different formulations were prepared by using above three disintegrants in the concentration of 20mg per tablet. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique. All the formulations were subjected to in in-vitro evaluation and the results were compared. The formulation containing tapioca starch powder showed good dissolution characteristics, within the Pharmacopoeial limits and comparative to potato and maize starch.