Sustained-release and swelling characteristics of xanthan gum/ethylcellulose-based injection moulded matrix tablets: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Sustained-release matrix tablets were developed by injection moulding using metoprolol tartrate (MPT) and ethylcellulose (EC) as sustained-release agent. Dibutyl sebacate was selected as plasticiser. The influence of matrix composition, plasticiser concentration, and drug load on drug release was evaluated. The influence of plasticiser addition was assessed on processability and drug release: Dibutyl sebacate was added to a dichloromethane/EC solution and subsequently spray-dried, or was mixed as a liquid with EC powder. Hydrated tablets were evaluated by frequency sweep and creep rheological tests to correlate the results with drug release. Xanthan gum (XG) was added to the formulation because drug release was too slow (<50%, 24 h) from EC/MPT matrices (70%/30%, w/w). Increasing XG concentrations provided faster MPT release rates characterised by zero-order release kinetics, no burst release was observed. Lower plasticiser concentrations and higher drug loads increased drug release substantially. The plasticiser addition method did not affect drug release. Matrix composition, drug load, and plasticiser level affected the rheological properties of the swollen matrix tablets. X-ray diffraction demonstrated the formation of solid dispersions. Formulations composed of XG/EC (ratio 1:1.5) and 30% (w/w) MPT had a low relative bioavailability compared with the commercial product Lopressor®, which significantly improved at higher MPT concentration (50%, w/w).