Optimization of tamsulosin hydrochloride controlled release pellets coated with Surelease and neutralized HPMCP

This study was to optimize the coating level in the development of controlled release pellets coated with Surelease and neutralized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) by a computer optimization technique based on a response surface methodology utilizing polynomial equation. A full factorial 3² design was used for the optimization procedure with coating level (X₁) and HPMCP content (X₂) as the independent variables. The drug release percent at 2, 3 and 5 h were the target responses, which were restricted to 12-39% (Y₁), 44-70% (Y₂) and 70-100% (Y ₃), respectively. The quadratic model was well fitted to the data, and the resulting equation was used to predict the responses in the optimal region. It was shown that the optimized coating formulation was achieved at the ratio of 3:1 (Surelease: neutralized HPMCP) with 20% coating level. The optimized formulation showed release profiles and responses, which were close to predicted responses. Therefore, a full factorial 3² design and optimization technique can be successfully used in the development of optimized coating formulations based on Surelease and neutralized HPMCP to achieve a controlled release drug delivery system containing tamsulosin hydrochloride.