Formulation and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Tablets of Ketoprofen Using Natural and Synthetic Superdisintegrants

Abstract

The present study was aimed at the formulation and evaluation of fast dissolving tablets (FDTs) of ketoprofen to improve its dissolution rate, bioavailability, and patient compliance. Ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), exhibits poor aqueous solubility which limits its oral absorption. In the present work, fast dissolving tablets were prepared by direct compression method using synthetic superdisintegrants such as crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate along with Ocimum basilicum mucilage as a natural excipient. The prepared powder blends were evaluated for preformulation parameters including angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, and Hausner’s ratio to assess their flow properties. The formulated tablets were evaluated for various physicochemical parameters such as hardness, friability, weight variation, wetting time, water absorption ratio, drug content, in-vitro dispersion time, and in-vitro dissolution studies. FTIR studies confirmed the compatibility of ketoprofen with selected excipients. The prepared formulations exhibited satisfactory mechanical strength and rapid disintegration characteristics. Among all formulations, batch F11 showed the best performance with rapid dispersion time and maximum cumulative drug release of 98.31% within 20 min.The results demonstrated that the developed fast dissolving tablets of ketoprofen significantly improved the dissolution profile of the drug and may enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. The study concluded that direct compression technique using suitable superdisintegrants and natural excipients is an effective approach for the development of ketoprofen fast dissolving tablets.

Keywords: Ketoprofen; Fast dissolving tablets; Direct compression; Superdisintegrants; Crospovidone; Sodium starch glycolate; Ocimum basilicum; In-vitro dissolution; Drug release; FTIR studies.