Formulation and Evaluation of Fast Disintegrating Tablets of Atenolol Using Natural and Synthetic Superdisintegrants

Oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) is defined as “A solid dosage form containing medical substances or active ingredient which disintegrates rapidly usually within a matter of seconds when placed upon the tongue”. The aim of the present research is to formulate Atenolol fast disintegrating tablets. Atenolol is β1- cardio selective adrenergic receptor blocker, widely used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmias and myocardial infarction. It works by slowing down the heart and reducing the work load of the heart. The conventional tablets of atenolol are reported to exhibit fluctuations in the plasma drug levels after administration. Atenolol fast disintegrating tablets were prepared by using direct compression method using Synthetic as wel as Natural superdisintegrants like sodium starch glycolate, Cross carmellose sodium and Miriabilis jalapa starch. The prepared tablets were characterized for their hardness, weight variation, disintegration time, wetting time, water absorption ratio friability, and in vitro dissolution studies. The ability of the tablet to release the drug faster depends on the concentration and type of superdisintegrants. In this study the fast disintegrating tablets containing Cross carmellose sodium, Sodium starch glycolate and Miriabilis jalapa starch as the super disintegrant in the ratio of 1:2:3 Shows better release of drug. About 97.92% of the drug was released from the tablets in 10mins. Therefore, based on the physico chemical properties, in vitro drug release profile F9 formulation containing Miriabilis jalapa starch is optimized as the best formulation. Keywords: Fast Disintegrating Tablets, Superdisintegrants, Atenolol, Miriabilis jalapa starch, In vitro evaluation