Studies on a Hydrophilic Cellulose Matrix Derived from Ipomoea batatas Tubers II: Application as a Filler-disintegrant in Piroxicam Orally Dispersible Tablets

Aim: In this work, piroxicam orally dispersible tablets (ODTs) was formulated using a hydrophilic cellulose matrix, I-hydrocel derived from the tubers of Ipomoea batatas as a filler-disintegrant in comparison with avicel PH 101 and lactose.

Methods: The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of a mixture of piroxicam and I-hydrocel was carried out for compatibility studies. Granules containing piroxicam (10.0% w/w) (20.0 mg per tablet), mannitol, 25.0% w/w, PVP, 2.5% w/w and I-hydrocel or avicel PH 101 or lactose (62.0% w/w) were prepared by wet granulation method. Their micromeritic properties were evaluated using standard methods. They were lubricated with 0.5% w/w magnesium stearate and compressed into tablets at 0.75 tons with an 8.5 mm concave punch fitted in a table-top single punch tablet press. The properties of the tablets were studied using the British Pharmacopoeia standards alongside tablets wetting time, water absorption ratio and the dissolution efficiency (DE).

Results: Piroxicam and I-hydrocel were compatible. The granules were compressible and fairly flowable. The uniformity of weight of tablets was within acceptable range. Tablets with the highest mechanical strength were obtained with I-hydrocel (P = 0.000) while the tablets containing avicel PH 101 wetted most easily, disintegrated fastest (P = 0.000) and showed the highest water absorption ratio (P = 0.000). However, the respective value of DE was as follows: I-hydrocel (89.69%) > avicel PH 101(79.72%) > lactose (59.0%) (P = 0.000).

Conclusions: The high release rate and bioavailability of piroxicam, a poorly water-soluble drug from the ODTs formulated with I-hydrocel may be due to its hydrophilic nature which may have enhanced the solubility of the drug. Therefore, I-hydrocel, being a new excipient could serve as an economic and efficient filler-disintegrant in the formulation of piroxicam orally dispersible tablets.