Formulation and Development of Bilayer Floating Tablets of Nifedipine Formulation and Development of Bilayer Floating Tablets of Nifedipine Using Surface Solid Dispersion Technique

The aim of the present research work was to develop and formulate a bilayer floating sustained release tablet of Nifedipine. Nifedipine is an antihypertensive agent. Surface solid dispersion of Nifedipine was prepared by solvent evaporation method with different super disintegrants as a polymer for improvement of solubility resulting in improved bioavailability. Bilayer consists of two layers, immediate-release layer, and second sustained release layer, compressed in the single unit dosage form. The immediate-release layer contains surface solid dispersion of Nifedipine. The floating sustained release layer also contains surface solid dispersion of Nifedipine, HPMC K100M & HPMC K15M as sustained release polymer. The floating properties of the tablets were achieved by the use of sodium bicarbonate & citric acid which generate the gas upon contact with gastric fluid. The immediate-release layer releases the drug immediately and starts the onset of action and the floating sustained release layer floats on gastric fluid for upto12 hours and releases the drug in a sustained manner, subsequently, it prolongs the duration of action.