Development and Characterization of Controlled Porosity Osmotic Pump Tablets of Captopril

The objective of the present study was to design a porous osmotic pump-based drug delivery system for the controlled release of captopril (Cap) which can maintain a constant therapeutic concentration, thus reducing dose-related side effects and dosing frequency.

The study evaluated in vitro drug release for the controlled porosity osmotic pump tablet (CPOPT) of Cap. This in vitro drug release study investigated the influence of the tablet formulation variables such as the amount of mannitol, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M (HPMCK4M), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP K-30) in the core and the concentration of cellulose acetate and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) in the coating solution.

It was found that the drug release was mostly affected by the amount of mannitol, HPMCK4M, and PVP K-30 in the core and the amount of cellulose acetate and PEG-400 in the coating solution.

In general, the objective of the study was established by coating the core tablet containing osmotic and pore-forming agents. Therefore, the CPOPT of Cap could be a safe, effective, stable, and promising preparation in the future.