Development of a novel tablet-in-capsule formulation of mesalamine for inflammatory bowel disease

Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop a tablet-in-capsule type of multiunit system, which releases the drug in a controlled manner at pre-programmed time intervals.

Methods: The system consists of an enteric-coated hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule filled with four units of mesalamine minitablets, each of which was further coated with different ratios of Eudragit^® E100 and Eudragit^® RS100.

Results: In vitro evaluation of tablets coated with Eudragit^® E100 and Eudragit^® RS100 at different pH conditions revealed that at lower pH levels (2.0, 3.6 and 5.5 pH), the drug release is mainly governed by the dissolution of Eudragit^® E100 from the Eudragit^® E100 and Eudragit^® RS100 coat. In vitro evaluation of capsules enteric coated with Eudragit^® L100 and Eudragit^® S100 revealed that a maximum lag time of 3?h and 4?h was obtained, respectively. In vivo roentgenographic evaluation in rabbits revealed that the developed system remained intact until it reaches the targeted region of the gastrointestinal tract, i.e. ileum and colon, where the tablets were released after the dissolution of the enteric coat Eudragit^® L100 and Eudragit^® S100, respectively.

Conclusion: The developed system exhibited a promising targeting behavior and hence may be used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.     

Enhancement of solubility and dissolution of cilostazol by solid dispersion technique

Cilostazol is practically insoluble in water and thus results in poor bioavailability. Only a few approaches have been reported for improving the bioavailability of cilostazol. Solid dispersion technique via solvent evaporation method was applied to improve the solubility and dissolution of cilostazol. Various polymers, mixture of polymer and surfactant, and mixture of polymers were screened as a carrier for the solid dispersion. Solubility of cilostazol was improved significantly when Eudragit^® L100 was used as a carrier. However, addition of surfactant to Eudragit^® L100 decreased the solubility slightly. Whereas, the mixture of Eudragit^® L100 and Eudragit^® S100 as a carrier system further increased the solubility. Based on the highest solubility obtained among the carriers screened, 1:1 ratio of Eudragit^® L100 and Eudragit^® S100 was selected as a carrier, and drug to carrier ratio was optimized to 1:5. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies showed that the characteristic peak of cilostazol disappeared in the solid dispersion, indicating that cilostazol existed in amorphous form in this formulation. Spray drying method was superior to vacuum drying method in terms of dissolution rate. Meanwhile, it was observed that the disintegration rate and the concentration of polymer had some effect on the crystallization of cilostazol in dissolution medium. Tablet formulation containing spray dried solid dispersion showed significant improvement in dissolution as compared to the commercial tablet.     

Fabrication and evaluation of Eudragit® polymeric films for transdermal delivery of piroxicam

The aims of this work were to develop and characterize the prolonged release piroxicam transdermal patch as a prototype to substitute oral formulations, to reduce side effects and improve patient compliance. The patches were composed of film formers (Eudragit^®) as a matrix backbone, with PVC as a backing membrane and PEG200 used as a plasticizer. Results from X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy indicated that loading piroxicam into films changed the drug crystallinity from needle to an amorphous or dissolved form. Piroxicam films were prepared using Eudragit^® RL100 and Eudragit^® RS100 as film formers at various ratios from 1:0 to 1:3. Films prepared solely by Eudragit^® RL100 showed the toughest and softest film, while other formulations containing Eudragit^® RS100 were hard and brittle. Drug release kinetic data from the films fitted with the Higuchi model, and the piroxicam release mechanism was diffusion controlled. Among all formulation tested, Eudragit^® RL100 films showed the highest drug release rate and the highest drug permeation flux across human epidermal membrane. Increasing drug loading led to an increase in drug release rate. Eudragit^® can be used as a film former for the fabrication of piroxicam films.     

Effect of substitution of plasticizer dibutyl phthalate with dibutyl sebacate on Eudragit® RS30D drug release rate control

In the current study, the influence of type of plasticizer used with Eudragit^® RS 30D on the drug release was investigated in solid dosage form extrusion/spheronization, and film coating. The drug pellets were coated for controlling drug release with Eudragit^® RS 30D containing dibutyl phthalate and compared with dibutyl sebacate as an alternative plasticizer. To study the influence of pH of the dissolution medium on the drug release profile, capsules are tested for drug release profile at pH 1.2, 4.4, and 6.3. Additionally, the aging effect on the curing of Eudragit^® RS 30D is evaluated by exposing the capsules dosage form to room temperature (25?°C?±?2?°C/60%?±?5% RH) for time 0, 3, 6, and 9?months, accelerated temperature (40?°C?±?2?°C/75%?±?5% RH) for time 0, 3, and 6?months, and intermediate temperature (30?°C?±?2?°C/65%?±?5% RH) for time 0, 6, and 9?months. The replacement of dibutyl phthalate, with dibutyl sebacate for polymer coating system in similar concentration is comparable with respect to plasticization effect. The coalescence of the polymer particles is not changed and requires no additional processing parameter control or additional curing time.     

Influence of polymers ratio on insulin-loaded nanoparticles based on poly-ε-caprolactone and Eudragit® RS for oral administration

Nanoparticles loaded with two different commercial insulins (Actrapid^®, Novorapid^®) and based on different blends of a biodegradable polyester (poly-ε-caprolactone) and a polycationic non-biodegradable acrylic polymer (Eudragit^® RS) were characterized in vitro. The zeta potential was positive whenever Eudragit^® RS was part of the nanoparticles matrix. The encapsulation efficiency was ~ 96% except for Novorapid^®-loaded particles of poly-ε-caprolactone (only 35%). In vitro release studies revealed a burst release from nanoparticles, which may be of interest for oral delivery. Novorapid-loaded nanoparticles were orally administered to diabetic rats and allowed the glycemia to be decreased when compared with free nanoparticles.     

Antioxidant activity and photostability assessment of trans-resveratrol acrylate microspheres

Trans-resveratrol (RSV) was microencapsulated in Eudragit^® RS100 and RL100 resin blends. Lyophilized microspheres were characterized in the solid state for their micromeritic properties and drug loading. FT-IR, PXRD, and DSC analyzes suggested that RSV formed an intimate microcrystalline dispersion within the polymer network, also confirmed by SEM analysis. This produced a reduced degradation of RSV after storage at 40?°C, compared to the neat drug, and a protection of the drug from UV light-induced trans-cis isomerization (60% intact drug was found after 60?s irradiation at 350?nm, compared to 37% for the pure drug). Solubility and in vitro dissolution studies indicated that microencapsulation did not improve the dissolution pattern of RSV in simulated gastric and intestinal aqueous fluids. Evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity showed that, compared to the neat drug in aqueous solution, RSV loaded in the microspheres retained for a longer time, up to 22 days of incubation, the initial ORAC capacity. The present study thus demonstrated that Eudragit^® Retard resins can be used to easily produce micro-sized solid dispersions with RSV, for potential oral administration, contributing to ameliorate the physico-chemical stability and antioxidant activity of this compound.     

Formulation and evaluation of a bioadhesive patch for buccal delivery of tizanidine

Tizanidine hydrochloride (THCl) is an antispasmodic agent which undergoes extensive first pass metabolism making it a possible candidate for buccal delivery. The aim of this study was to prepare a monolayered buccal patch containing THCl using the emulsification solvent evaporation method. Fourteen formulations were prepared using the polymers Eudragit^® RS 100 or Eudragit^® RL 100 and chitosan. Polymer solutions in acetone were combined with a THCl aqueous solution (in some cases containing chitosan) by homogenization at 9000 rpm for 2 min in the presence of triethyl citrate as plasticizer and cast in novel Teflon molds. Physicochemical properties such as film thickness, in vitro drug release and in vitro mucoadhesion were evaluated after which permeation across sheep buccal mucosa was examined in terms of flux and lag time. Formulations prepared using a Eudragit^® polymer alone exhibited satisfactory physicomechanical properties but lacked a gradual in vitro drug release pattern. Incorporation of chitosan into formulations resulted in the formation of a porous structure which did exhibit gradual release of drug. In conclusion, THCl can be delivered by a buccal patch formulated as a blend of Eudragit^® and chitosan, the latter being necessary to achieve gradual drug release.     

Preparation and characterization of metformin hydrochloride loaded-Eudragit®RSPO and Eudragit®RSPO/PLGA nanoparticles

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize metformin HCl-loaded nanoparticle formulations. Nanoparticles were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method using both a single polymer (Eudragit^®RSPO) and a polymer mixture (Eudragit/PLGA). The mean particle size ranged from 268.8 to 288?nm and the nanoparticle surface was positively charged (9.72 to 10.1 mV). The highest encapsulation efficiency was observed when Eudragit®RSPO was used. All formulations showed highly reproducible drug release profiles and the in vitro drug release in phosphate buffer (pH?=?6.8) ranged from 92 to 100% in 12?h. These results suggest that Eudragit^®RSPO or Eudragit/PLGA nanoparticles might represent a promising sustained-release oral formulation for metformin HCl, reducing the necessity of repeated administrations of high doses to maintain effective plasma concentrations, and thus, increasing patient compliance and reducing the incidence of side-effects.     

Preparation and characterization of spray-dried valsartan-loaded Eudragit® E PO solid dispersion microparticles

The purpose of this study was to develop the immediate release stomach-specific spray-dried formulation of valsartan (VAL) using Eudragit^® E PO (EPO) as the carrier for enhancing dissolution rate in a gastric environment. Enhanced solubility and dissolution in gastric pH was achieved by formulating the solid dispersion using a spray drying technique. Different combinations of drug–polymer–surfactant were dissolved in 10% ethanol solution and spray-dried in order to obtain solid dispersion microparticles. Use of the VAL–EPO solid dispersion microparticles resulted in significant improvement of the dissolution rate of the drug at pH 1.2 and pH 4.0, compared to the free drug powder and the commercial product. A hard gelatin capsule was filled with the VAL–EPO solid dispersion powder prior to the dissolution test. The increased dissolution of VAL from solid dispersion microparticles in gastric pH was attributed to the effect of EPO and most importantly the transformation of crystalline drugs to amorphous solid dispersion powder, which was clearly shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) studies. Thus, VAL, a potential antihypertensive drug in the form of a solid dispersion microparticulate powder, can be effectively delivered in the immediate release dosage form for stomach-specific drug delivery.     

Influence of Carbopol 71G-NF on the release of dextromethorphan hydrobromide from extended-release matrix tablets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Carbopol^® 71G-NF on the release of dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DM) from matrix tablets in comparison with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC^® K15M) and Eudragit^® L100-55 polymers. Controlled release DM matrix tablets were prepared using Carbopol 71G-NF, HPMC K15M, and Eudragit L100-55 at different drug to polymer ratios by direct compression technique. The mechanical properties of the tablets as tested by crushing strength and friability tests were improved as the concentration of Carbopol, HPMC, and Eudragit increased. However, Carbopol-based tablets showed a significantly (P?<?0.05) higher crushing strength and a lower friability than HPMC and Eudragit tablets. No significant differences in weight uniformity and thickness values were observed between the different formulations. It was also found that Carbopol significantly (P?<?0.05) delayed the release of DM in comparison with HPMC K15M and Eudragit L100-55. A combination of HPMC K15M and Eudragit L100-55 in a 1:1 ratio at 20 and 30% significantly (P?<?0.05) delayed the release of DM than Eudragit L100-55 alone. Moreover, blends of Carbopol and HPMC at a 1:1 ratio at the 10, 20, and 30% total polymer concentration were investigated. The blend of Carbopol and HPMC at 10% level significantly (P?<?0.05) slowed the release of DM than Carbopol or HPMC alone, whereas blends at 20 and 30% level significantly (P?<?0.05) delayed the release of DM compared with HPMC or Carbopol alone. The results with these polymer blends showed that it was possible to reduce the total amount of polymers when used as a combination in formulation.     

Properties of theophylline tablets dry powder coated with Eudragit® E PO and Eudragit® L 100-55

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of Eudragit^® E PO on the drug release mechanism of Eudragit^® L 100-55 film coatings applied to theophylline tablets by a dry powder coating technique. The process was entirely liquid-free. Calculation of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter based on solubility parameters suggested immiscibility of the two copolymers. MDSC thermograms were characterized by two glass transitions for the investigated Eudragit^® E PO/Eudragit^® L 100-55 ratios and confirmed incomplete miscibility of the copolymers at processing conditions. FT-IR analysis was employed to study binding interactions of the polymers. Due to the higher affinity of the plasticizer, triethyl citrate, for Eudragit^® E PO compared to Eudragit^® L 100-55, redistribution of the plasticizer was observed during the curing phase of the process. Plasticizer migration also affected the initial phase of drug release from powder-coated theophylline tablets that were stored for four weeks. Drug release from powder-coated tablets was dependent on the polymer blend ratio, coating thickness, and the pH of the dissolution medium. A broad range of pH dependent theophylline release profiles were obtained as a function of the polymer blend ratio. The particle size of the coating powder influenced the microstructure of the film coating.     

Enhancement of solubility and dissolution of Coenzyme Q10 using solid dispersion formulation

This study aimed to develop a stable solid dispersion of Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) with high aqueous solubility and dissolution rate. Among various carriers screened, poloxamer 407 was most effective to form a superior solid dispersion of CoQ₁₀ having significantly enhanced solubility. Particularly, solid dispersion of CoQ₁₀ with poloxamer 407 in the weight ratio of 1:5 prepared by melting method enhanced the solubility of CoQ₁₀ to the greatest extent. However, it exhibited poor stability and hence Aerosil^® 200 (colloidal silicon dioxide) was incorporated into the solid dispersion as an adsorbent to inhibit the recrystallization process. The solid dispersion of CoQ₁₀, poloxamer 407 and Aerosil^® 200 in the weight ratio of 1:5:6 exhibited improved stability with no significant change in solubility during the 1-month stability test. Moreover, the solid dispersion formulation containing Aerosil^® 200 significantly enhanced the extent of drug release (approx. 75% release) as well as the dissolution rate of CoQ₁₀. In conclusion, the present study has developed the stable solid dispersion formulation of CoQ₁₀ with poloxamer 407 and Aerosil^® 200 for the enhanced solubility and dissolution of CoQ₁₀, which could also offer some additional advantages including ease of preparation, good flowability and cost-effectiveness.     

Effect on the nasal bioavailability of co-processing drug and bioadhesive carrier via spray-drying

A mucoadhesive combination of a maize starch (Amioca^®, mainly consisting of amylopectine) and a cross-linked acrylic acid-based polymer (Carbopol^® 974P) was spray-dried with metoprolol tartrate (used as model molecule) in order to develop a powder suitable for nasal drug delivery via a one-step manufacturing process. The bioavailability of metoprolol tartrate after nasal administration of this powder to rabbits was compared with powders manufactured via other procedures: (a) freeze-drying of a dispersion prepared using the co-spray-dried powder, (b) freeze-drying of a dispersion prepared using a physical mixture of drug and mucoadhesive polymers. After co-processing via spray-drying a low bioavailability (BA 10.8 ± 2.3%) was obtained, whereas manufacturing procedures based on freeze-drying yielded a higher BA: 37.9 ± 12.8% using the co-processed powder and 73.6 ± 24.9% using the physical mixture. The higher bioavailability was due to the deprotonation of poly(acrylic acid) during neutralisation of the dispersion prior to freeze-drying. This induced repulsion of the ionised carboxyl groups and a lower interaction between poly(acrylic acid) and starch, creating a less compact matrix upon hydration of the polymer and allowing an easier escape of metoprolol tartrate from the matrix. This study showed that co-processing of a mucoadhesive Amioca^®/Carbopol^® 974P formulation with metoprolol tartrate via co-spray-drying did not provide any added value towards the bioavailability of the drug after nasal administration of the mucoadhesive powder.     

Novel solidified reverse micellar solution-based mucoadhesive nano lipid gels encapsulating miconazole nitrate-loaded nanoparticles for improved treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis

Objective: To develop and evaluate solidified-reverse-micellar-solution (SRMS)-based oromucosal nano lipid gels for improved localised delivery of miconazole nitrate (MN).

Methods: Phospholipon^® 90G and Softisan^® 154 (3:7) were used to prepare SRMS by fusion. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs, 0.25–1.0% w/w MN) formulated with the SRMS by high shear homogenisation were employed to prepare mucoadhesive nano lipid gels. Physicochemical characterisation, drug release in simulated salivary fluid (SSF) (pH 6.8) and anti-candidal activity were carried out.

Results: The SLNs were spherical nanoparticles, had mean size of 133.8?±?6.4 to 393.2?±?14.5?nm, low polydispersity indices, good encapsulation efficiency (EE) (51.96?±?2.33–67.12?±?1.65%) and drug loading (DL) (19.05?±?2.44–24.93?±?1.98%). The nano lipid gels were stable, spreadable, pseudoplastic viscoelastic mucoadhesive systems that exhibited better prolonged release and anti-candidal properties than marketed formulation (Daktarin^® oral gel) (p?Conclusion: This study has shown that SRMS-based nano lipid gels could be employed to prolong localised oromucosal delivery of MN.     

Gastroretentive mucoadhesive tablet of lafutidine for controlled release and enhanced bioavailability

Abstract

Lafutidine a newly developed histamine H2-receptor antagonist having biological half-life of 1.92?±?0.94?h due to its selective absorption from upper part of gastrointestinal tract the development of mucoadhesive sustained release drug delivery system is recommended in order to enhance the bioavailability. A mucoadhesive tablets was developed using the natural polymer, sodium alginate, xanthan gum and karaya gum. Mucoadhesion is a complex phenomenon which involves wetting, adsorption and interpenetration of polymer chains. The prepared tablets of various formulations were evaluated for a total mucoadhesion time, buoyancy lag time and percentage drug released. The formulation with xanthan gum showed better results. Thus, it may be useful for prolonged drug release in stomach to improve the bioavailability and reduced dosing frequency. Non-fickians release transport was confirmed as the drug release mechanism from the optimized formulation by Korsmeyer–Peppas. The optimized formulation (B3) showed a mucoadhesive strength >35?g. In vivo study was performed using rabbits by X-ray imaging technique. Radiological evidences suggest that, a formulated tablet was well adhered for >10?h in rabbit’s stomach. Optimized lafutidine mucoadhesive tablets showed no significant change in physical appearance, drug content, mucoadhesive properties and in vitro dissolution pattern after storage at 40?°C temperature 75?±?5% relative humidity for 3 months.     

Design and characterization of cefuroxime axetil biphasic floating minitablets

Abstract

Biphasic floating minitablets of cefuroxime axetil were prepared by melt granulation technique using two different grades of gelucire namely 50/13 and 43/01 to maintain constant plasma drug concentration. Loading dose of cefuroxime axetil was formulated as immediate release (IR) minitablets by using hydrophilic grade of gelucire 50/13. Maintenance dose was formulated as floating sustained release (SR) minitablets by using hydrophobic grade of gelucire 43/01. The prepared IR and SR granules were subjected to micromeritic studies and scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) study revealed that drug and selected carriers were compatible. In vitro dissolution study of optimized IR minitablets showed more than 85% of loading dose dissolved within 30?min. Optimized SR minitablets showed zero lag time with floating duration more than 12?h. The drug release from SR minitablets was linear with square root of time with non-Fickian diffusion-controlled release. The optimized batch of minitablets was filled into 0 size hard gelatin capsule. In vitro dissolution study for capsule showed an immediate burst release followed by SR up to 12?h. There is no significant change in dissolution data after storage at 40?°C and 75% RH for three months. Microbiological assay of dissolution samples of optimized minitablets filled in capsules showed proportionate increase in inhibition of growth against Escherichia coli up to 12?h samples. In vivo bioavailability study in albino rabbits showed three times improvement in oral bioavailability.     

Preparation and evaluation of tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release pellets modified by two-layered membrane techniques

The aim of the present study was to develop tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release pellets using two-layered membrane techniques. Centrifugal granulator and fluidized-bed coater were employed to prepare drug-loaded pellets and to employ two-layered membrane coating respectively. The prepared pellets were evaluated for physicochemical characterization, subjected to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in vitro release of different pH. Different release models and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to analyze the release mechanism of Harnual^® and home-made pellets. By comparing the dissolution profiles, the ratio and coating weight gain of Eudragit^® NE30D and Eudragit^® L30D55 which constitute the inside membrane were identified as 18:1 and 10%–11%. The coating amount of outside membrane containing Eudragit^® L30D55 was determined to be 0.8%. The similarity factors (f₂) of home-made capsule and commercially available product (Harnual^®) were above 50 in different dissolution media. DSC studies confirmed that drug and excipients had good compatibility and SEM photographs showed the similarities and differences of coating surface between Harnual^® and self-made pellets before and after dissolution. According to Ritger-Peppas model, the two dosage form had different release mechanism.     

Preparation and release characteristics of polymer-reinforced and coated alginate beads

Polymeric reinforcement and coatings of alginate beads were carried out to control the release rate of drug from alginate beads. A poorly water-soluble ibuprofen (IPF) was selected as a model drug. A commercially available Eudragit^® RS100 was also used as a polymer. Effects of polymeric contents, the presence of plasticizers and amount of drug loading on the release rate of drug were investigated. The release rate of drug from alginate beads in the simulated gastric fluid did not occur within 2 h but released immediately when dissolution media were switched to the simulated intestinal fluid. No significant difference of release rate from polymer-reinforced alginate bead without plasticizers was observed when compared to plain (simple) beads. However, the release rate of drug from polymer-reinforced alginate beads was further sustained and retarded when aluminium tristearate (AT) as a plasticizer was added to polymer. However, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) did not change the release rate of drug from alginate beads although PEG400 was used to improve dispersion of polymer and sodium alginate, and plasticize Eudragit^® RS100 polymer. The presence of plasticizer was crucial to reinforce alginate gel matrices using a polymer. As the amount of drug loading increased, the release rate of drug increased as a result of decreasing effects of polymer contents in matrices. The significantly sustained release of drug from polymer-coated alginate beads occurred as the amount of polymer increased because the thickness of coated membrane increased so that cracks and pores of the outer surface of alginate beads could be reduced. The sustained and retarded action of polymer-reinforced and coated beads may result from the disturbance of swelling and erosion (disintegration) of alginate beads. From these findings, polymeric-rein-forcement and coatings of alginate gel beads can provide an advanced delivery system by retarding the release rate of various drugs.     

Application of viscometry and solubility parameters in miconazole patches development

Nine binary mixtures of seven different methacrylic copolymer systems (Plastoid^® E 35 L (PLE) and Plastoid^® L 50 (PLL); Eudragit^® (Eu) NE, RL, RS, L, S) were tested as components of monolayer patches containing miconazole. Only three mixtures (PLE:EuNE, PLE:EuRL and PLE:EuRS) were suitable for the preparation of placebo matrices. Miconazole patches with good technological characteristics were obtained by using mixtures of PLE:EuNE and PLE:EuRL. The in vitro miconazole release rate from the two patches and from the patch prepared using only PLE were significantly different. The amounts of drug released in 24 h were quite satisfactory. A mathematical model based on capillary viscometry data was used for the evaluation of interactions between copolymers. This was useful to predict and understand the mechanisms related to the instability of the prepared mixture. The solubility parameters of the drug and of the matrix were also calculated. Miconazole release was faster when the difference between the solubility parameters of the matrix and of the drug was higher. A relationship between miconazole release rate and the difference of drug and matrix solubility parameters was found. Therefore, the solubility parameter could be applied in formulation studies of patches.     

The use of response surface methodology for the formulation and optimization of salbutamol sulfate hydrophilic matrix sustained release tablets

The objective of this study was to develop a hydrophilic matrix formulation with in vitro release characteristics similar to Asthalin^® tablets and that would sustain the release of salbutamol sulfate over a 12-h period. A central composite design was used as the framework for manufacturing formulations that may be used to understand the relationships between polymer levels and in vitro release characteristics. Tablets were manufactured using wet granulation with Surelease^® as the granulating fluid and different levels of Methocel^® K100M, xanthan gum, and Carbopol^® 974P as matrix-forming materials. In vitro dissolution testing was conducted using USP Apparatus 3 and samples were analyzed using a validated reversed-phase HPLC method. The results revealed that the levels and types of polymers had a significant impact on the rate of drug release from these formulations and that it was possible to optimize the levels of matrix-forming polymers to achieve the desired release characteristics. Statistical design and response surface methodology have been successfully used to understand and optimize formulation factors and interactions that impact the in vitro release characteristics of salbutamol sulfate from a potential multisource sustained release dosage form.