Development and Evaluation of floating Alginate beads of Tramadol Hydrochloride

The objective of current research work was to develop gastro-retentive floating alginate beads of tramadol hydrochloride. The beads were formulated using different concentration of hydrophilic polymer HPMC K15M and HPMC K100M, along with an effervescent agent such as calcium bicarbonate. Preformulation compatibility studies indicate that there is no interaction between the excipient and the drug. Total seven batches were prepared and floating beads ware subjected for evaluation of flow properties. All the parameter was found to be within the limit showing good flow property. Floating beads was also evaluated for entrapment efficiency, buoyancy studies, percent yield, and average particle size and in-vitro dissolution study. The drug entrapment efficiency for all batch formulation was above 90% indicating effective distribution of drug in beads. Floating lag time of all batch formulation was found in second indicating rapid buoyancy of beads after immersion in dissolution medium. Total floating time for all brads formulation was above 12 hrs. the average particle size of all beads formulation was found in the range of 1140 to 1230 µm and was found spherical in shape. The in-vitro dissolution profile of all beads formulation of Tramadol Hcl was controlled over an extended period of time. The optimized formulation of F7 containing HPMC K100M (1.5%) was consider as the best formulation with respect to its lower floating lag time, drug entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release for 12 hrs.