Evaluation of Gel Strength and Floatability of Metformin Hydrochloride Sustained Release Tablets

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of formula and hardness on gel strength and floatability for metformin hydrochloride(MET) sustained release tablets. METHODS Determine the gel strength of MET sustained release tablets in pure water at presupposed time point by texture analyzer and test buoyancy in pure water in 10 h by balance with density subassembly, drug release was also determined. RESULTS The drug release for all MET tablets were similar, molecular weight of polymer and tablet hardness showed significant effect on gel strength and floatability. CONCLUSION The gel strength and floatability test could be used as another in vitro evaluation besides dissolution for MET sustained released tablets.