Matrix tablet-containing solid dispersion is not suitable for sustained release delivery of beclomethasone dipropionate

Objective: In the present study, an attempt was made to enhance the solubility of beclomethasone dipropionate by solid dispersion method followed by formulating and evaluating the sustained release matrix tablets-containing solid dispersion of beclomethasone dipropionate to overcome its lacuna of short elimination half-life. Materials and Methods: Solid dispersion was prepared by using β-cyclodextrin and polyethylene glycol 6000 as a carrier by physical mixture, solvent evaporation, and kneading methods and evaluated for percentage yield, drug content, and in vitro dissolution studies. The selected formulation of solid dispersion was subjected for preparation of sustained release tablets by direct compression method using matrix polymers hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) K 15 and guar gum and evaluated for thickness, weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, and in vitro drug release studies. Results: The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study revealed no interaction between the drug and polymers. The powder possessed good flow properties before the compression. The results of in vitro dissolution studies were not satisfactory to achieve sustained release of the drug from the formulation. Conclusion: The aim was to formulate sustained release matrix tablets of beclomethasone dipropionate which was not achieved, hence it was concluded that the matrix tablets prepared using HPMC K 15 and guar gum-containing solid dispersion of beclomethasone dipropionate is not a suitable approach for the sustained release delivery of beclomethasone dipropionate.