Efecto del ácido esteárico sobre las propiedades de matrices flotantes de metronidazol/Carbopol971P NF

The properties of metronidazole/Carbopol971P NF sustained release tablets have been studied varying the proportion of the lubricant on formulations with and without sodium bicarbonate. The variables studied include the tablet hardness and the ejection pressure, the drug release profile, the hydration kinetics and the floating behavior. Tablets without bicarbonate did not float while those with bicarbonate floated an average of 6 h. The drug release increases with increasing concentrations of stearic acid in the tablets. The same trend is observed with matrices containing sodium bicarbonate however the drug release is lesser.