FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF METOPROLOL SUCCINATE FLOATING TABLETS

Gastroretentive dosage forms extend significantly the period of time over which the drug may be released. This prolonged gastric retention improves bioavailability, decrease drug waste and improve solubility of drugs that are less soluble in a high pH environment due to their availability in gastric pH for longer duration of time.Floating drug delivery systems have a bulk density less than gastric fluids and hence remain buoyant in the stomach. The main objective of the present study was to develop Gastroretentive (GR) controlled release ormulations of Metoprolol to prolong the gastric retention time so that its bioavailability can be improved. The formulations were prepared by using swellable polymers like HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M, HPMC K100M, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and various effervescent compounds, e.g. sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid by the direct compression method. All the formulations were evaluated for different parameters like floating lag time, total floating time, hardness, weight variation, density measurements, drug content and water uptake/swelling index. Dissolution studies were done for all formulations in 0.1N HCl (pH 1.2). Formulations F3, F4 and F10 were found to provide maximum sustained release of metoprolol s uccinate up to 24 h with optimum floating properties.Key words : Controlled release; Gastro retentive; HPMC; Guargum; Xantham gu

A study on the effectiveness of nicotine and counselling in tobacoo smoking cessation

Background: Effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and counselling has been suggested by various research workers in smoking cessation, but studies show variable results with pharmacotherapy. Also efficacy of counselling and pharmacological intervention differs from centre to centre. So we conducted this study, to observe the role of counselling and nicotine gums in our setup.Methods: 86 smokers willing to quit smoking were enrolled. Baseline counselling was provided at the time of enrolment, then at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and at 6 months. Telephonic counselling was given to those who did not come for face to face counselling. Nicotine gums were prescribed for 3 months duration. At the end of 12 months, follow up outcome was measured.Results: At 1 week 24% smokers, at 1 month 23%, at 3 months 12% and at 6 months 33% smokers attended face to face counselling session. At 1 week 66%, at 1 month 57%, at 3 months 63% and at 6 months 59% smokers received telephonic counselling. Nicotine gums were used by only 76% smokers. Out of those who used nicotine gums, only 3% used gums for 3 months duration and 97% stopped prematurely. Among those who used gums, 29% experienced side effects. Total 22 (26%) smokers stopped smoking at 12 months.Conclusions: Less number of smokers coming for follow up counselling visits, suggest lack of motivation. Alternative counselling, like telephonic counselling, was much more accepted and was found to be helpful. Acceptance of nicotine gums was very less which also shows the lack of motivation. Abstinence rate of 26% shows that counselling and nicotine gums help in quitting smoking