Abstract

Background: In the present study, Lansoprazole pellets were prepared employing a novel excipient Carboxymethyl tamarind kernel powder (CMTKP) using extrusion-spheronization technique. Various research studies including patents have been carried out on this polymer. Pellet formulation was optimized for formulation parameters (concentration of microcrystalline cellulose, CMTKP, croscarmellose sodium and isopropyl alcohol).

Methods: Process parameters (speed and duration of spheronization) were optimized using factorial design. The pellets were evaluated for yield, bulk and tapped density, particle size, hardness, drug content, disintegration time and drug release.

Results: The optimized batch showed 93.53% yield, 0.307 kg/cm2 hardness, 2.15 mm average particle size, 292 sec disintegration time and 90.46% drug content.

Conclusion: Drug release of the optimized batch (2F7) and marketed formulation (LANZOL cap) was found to be 82.33% and 80.07%, respectively. An accelerated study indicated that optimized formulation was stable.

Keywords: Pelletization, lansoprazole, carboxymethyl tamarind kernel powder, extrusion-spheronization

Graphical Abstract