Formulation,Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Bioadhesive Gels Containing 5-Fluorouracil

The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate in vitro the bioadhesive gels of 5-Fluorouracil (FU) for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. In preformulation study, the physicochemical interactions between FU and polymers were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). According to FTIR, XRD, and DSC studies, the drug did not show any evidence of an interaction with the polymers used and was present in an unchanged state. The gel formulations containing FU were prepared by using Poloxamer 407, HPMC K 15 M, and Gantrez® S-97 (polymethylvinylether-co-maleic anhydride). The formulations contained Poloxamer 407 (16–18% w/w) either alone or in combination with HPMC K 15 M and Gantrez® S-97. The bioadhesiveness of the gels was found to increase with increasing proportion of HPMC K 15 M and Gantrez® S-97. In vitro release studies indicated that release could be sustained up to 8 hr. The permeability coefficients (Kp) of gel across cellulose membrane and buccal mucosal membrane were 1.06 × 10^?4 cm/s and 3.94 × 10^?5 cm/s, respectively, and differed significantly (p < 0.05). Increasing temperature increased the drug release by increasing drug diffusion despite increase in viscosity. The pH of the release medium showed a very slight effect on the release of FU. Mathematical modeling of in vitro dissolution data indicated the best fitting with Korsemeyer–Peppas model and the drug release kinetics primarily as non-Fickian diffusion.     

Development and in vitro evaluation of buccoadhesive carvedilol tablets

Buccoadhesive tablets of carvedilol were prepared using HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M and Carbopol 934 as mucoadhesive polymers. Fifteen formulations were developed with varying concentrations of polymers. Formulations of the BC or BD series were composed of HPMC K4M or HPMC K15M in ratios of 1:1 to 1:5 whereas in the BE series Carbopol 934 was used (1:0.25 to 1:1.50). The formulations were tested for in vitro drug release, in vitro bioadhesion, moisture absorption and in vitro drug permeation through porcine buccal mucosa. Formulation BC3 showed maximum release of the drug (88.7 +/- 0.4%) with the Higuchi model release profile and permeated 21.5 +/- 2.9% of the drug (flux 8.35 +/- 0.291 microg h(-1)cm(-2)) permeation coefficient 1.34 +/- 0.05 cm h(-1)) through porcine buccal membrane. BC3 formulation showed 1.62 +/- 0.15 N of peak detachment force and 0.24 +/- 0.11 mJ of work of adhesion. FTIR results showed no evidence of interaction between the drug and polymers. XRD study revealed that the drug is in crystalline form in the polymer matrix. The results indicate that suitable bioadhesive buccal tablets with desired permeability could be prepared.     

Thermosensitive and mucoadhesive in situ gel based on poloxamer as new carrier for rectal administration of nimesulide

Poloxamer 407 has excellent thermo-sensitive gelling properties. Nevertheless, these gels possess inadequate poor bioadhesiveness and high permeability to water, which limited its' application as a thermoresponsive matrix. The main aim of the present investigation was to develop thermosensitive and mucoadhesive rectal in situ gel of nimesulide (NM) by using mucoadhesive polymers such as sodium alginate (Alg-Na) and HPMC. These gels were prepared by addition of mucoadhesive polymers (0.5%) to the formulations of thermosensitive gelling solution containing poloxamer 407 (18%) and nimesulide (2.0%). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to modify gelation temperature and drug release properties. The gelation temperature and drug release rate of the prepared in situ gels were evaluated. Gelation temperature was significantly increased with incorporation of nimesulide (2.0%) in the poloxamer solution, while the addition of the mucoadhesive polymers played a reverse role on gelation temperature. The addition of PEG polymers increased the gelation temperature and the drug release rate. Among the formulations examined, the poloxamer 407/nimesulide/sodium alginate/PEG 4000 (18/2.0/0.5/1.2%) exhibited the appropriate gelation temperature, acceptable drug release rate and rectal retention at the administration site. Furthermore, the micrographic results showed that in situ gel, given at the dose of 20mg/kg, was safe for no mucosa irritation. In addition, it resulted in significantly higher initial serum concentrations, C(max) and AUC of NM compared to the solid suppository.     

Benzydamine hydrochloride buccal bioadhesive gels designed for oral ulcers: Preparation,rheological, textural,mucoadhesive and release properties

This study developed and examined the characterization of Benzidamine hydrochloride (BNZ) bioadhesive gels as platforms for oral ulcer treatments. Bioadhesive gels were prepared with four different hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) types (E5, E15, E50 and K100M) with different ratios. Each formulation was characterized in terms of drug release, rheological, mechanical properties and adhesion to a buccal bovine mucosa. Drug release was significantly decreased as the concentration and individual viscosity of each polymeric component increased due to improved viscosity of the gel formulations. The amount of drug released for the formulations ranged from 0.76?±?0.07 and 1.14?±?0.01 (mg/cm²?±?SD). Formulations exhibited pseudoplastic flow and all formulations, increasing the concentration of HPMC content significantly raised storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), dynamic viscosity (?′) at 37°C. Increasing concentration of each polymeric component also significantly improved the hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and mucoadhesion but decreased the elasticity of the gel formulations. All formulations showed non-Fickian diffusion due to the relaxation and swelling of the polymers with water. In conclusion, the formulations studied showed a wide range of mechanical and drug diffusion characteristics. On the basis of the obtained data, the bioadhesive gel formulation which was prepared with 2.5% HPMC K 100M was determined as the most appropriate formulation for buccal application in means of possessing suitable mechanical properties, exhibiting high cohesion and bioadhesion.     

Floating matrix dosage form for propranolol hydrochloride based on gas formation technique: development and in vitro evaluation

Gastroretentive tablets of propranolol hydrochloride were developed by direct compression method using citric acid and sodium bicarbonate as the effervescent base. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; HPMC K15M was used to prepare the floating tablets to retard the drug release for 12h in stomach. Na-carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) or carbopol 934P was added to alter the drug release profile or the dimensional stability of the formulation. Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) was used as filler. Formulations were evaluated for floating lag time, duration of floating, dimensional stability, drug content and in vitro drug release profile. The formulations were found to have floating lag time less than 1min. It was found that the dimensional stability of the formulations increase with increasing concentration of the swelling agent. The release mechanism of propranolol hydrochloride from floating tablets was evaluated on the basis of Peppas and Higuchi model. The ana value of the formulations ranged from 0.5201 to 0.7367 (0.5相似文献   

喷昔洛韦眼用温度敏感原位凝胶的制备及评价（英文）

目的研制以普朗尼克F127为主要基质的喷昔洛韦制剂,以提高其眼部生物利用度。方法通过将HPMC K4M或卡波姆934P与普朗尼克F127复合使用,制备了喷昔洛韦的温度敏感原位凝胶。以胶凝温度、流变学、药物释放特性、药代动力学及眼部刺激性等为指标进行筛选,得到最优化处方。结果使用HPMC K4M或者卡波姆934P均能降低凝胶的胶凝温度,略微增加其粘度,延缓体系中药物的释放速率;药物释放为非Fick扩散;所有处方均未表现出眼部刺激或对角膜的损伤;含卡波姆934P和普朗尼克F127的凝胶体系的眼部生物利用度最高。结论含普朗尼克F127的喷昔洛韦制剂能够以滴眼液的形式给药,而达到眼部温度时可形成凝胶;体内外评价结果表明,含有HPMC K4M或卡波姆934P以及低浓度普朗尼克F127（12%）的喷昔洛韦制剂,提高了药物在眼部的生物利用度,是一种很有前景的眼部给药系统。     

Development of Press-Coated,Floating-Pulsatile Drug Delivery of Lisinopril

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, primarily used for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and heart attack. It belongs to BCS class III having a half-life of 12 hrs and 25% bioavailability. The purpose of the present work was to develop a press-coated, floating-pulsatile drug delivery system. The core tablet was formulated using the super-disintegrants crosprovidone and croscarmellose sodium. A press-coated tablet (barrier layer) contained the polymer carrageenan, xanthan gum, HPMC K4M, and HPMC K15M. The buoyant layer was optimized with HPMC K100M, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid. The tablets were evaluated for physical characteristics, floating lag time, swelling index, FTIR, DSC, and in vitro and in vivo behavior. The 5% superdisintgrant showed good results. The FTIR and DSC study predicted no chemical interactions between the drug and excipients. The formulation containing xanthan gum showed drug retaining abilities, but failed to float. The tablet containing HPMC K15M showed a high swelling index. The lag time for the tablet coated with 200 mg carrageenan was 3±0.1 hrs with 99.99±1.5% drug release; with 140 mg HPMC K4M, the lag time was 3±0.1 hrs with 99.71±1.2% drug release; and with 120 mg HPMC K15M, the lag time was 3±0.2 hrs with 99.98±1.7% drug release. The release mechanism of the tablet followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation and a first-order release pattern. Floating and lag time behavior have shown good in vitro and in vivo correlations.     

Effect of HPMC and mannitol on drug release and bioadhesion behavior of buccal discs of buspirone hydrochloride: In-vitro and in-vivo pharmacokinetic studies

Delivery of orally compromised therapeutic drug molecules to the systemic circulation via buccal route has gained a significant interest in recent past. Bioadhesive polymers play a major role in designing such buccal dosage forms, as they help in adhesion of designed delivery system to mucosal membrane and also prolong release of drug from delivery system. In the present study, HPMC (release retarding polymer) and mannitol (diluent and pore former) were used to prepare bioadhesive and controlled release buccal discs of buspirone hydrochloride (BS) by direct compression method. Compatibility of BS with various excipients used during the study was assessed using DSC and FTIR techniques. Effect of mannitol and HPMC on drug release and bioadhesive strength was studied using a 3² factorial design. The drug release rate from delivery system decreased with increasing levels of HPMC in formulations. However, bioadhesive strength of formulations increased with increasing proportion of HPMC in buccal discs. Increased levels of mannitol resulted in faster rate of drug release and rapid in vitro uptake of water due to the formation of channels in the matrix. Pharmacokinetic studies of designed bioadhesive buccal discs in rabbits demonstrated a 10-fold increase in bioavailability in comparison with oral bioavailability of buspirone reported.     

A Review of Poloxamer 407 Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Characteristics

Abstract Poloxamer 407 copolymer (ethylene oxide and propylene oxide blocks) shows thermoreversible properties, which is of the utmost interest in optimising drug formulation (fluid state at room temperature facilitating administration and gel state above sol–gel transition temperature at body temperature promoting prolonged release of pharmacological agents). Pharmaceutical evaluation consists in determining the rheological behaviour (flow curve or oscillatory studies), sol–gel transition temperature, in vitro drug release using either synthetic or physiological membrane and (bio)adhesion characteristics. Poloxamer 407 formulations led to enhanced solubilisation of poorly water-soluble drugs and prolonged release profile for many galenic applications (e.g., oral, rectal, topical, ophthalmic, nasal and injectable preparations) but did not clearly show any relevant advantages when used alone. Combination with other excipients like Poloxamer 188 or mucoadhesive polymers promotes Poloxamer 407 action by optimising sol–gel transition temperature or increasing bioadhesive properties. Inclusion of liposomes or micro(nano)particles in Poloxamer 407 formulations offers interesting prospects, as well. Besides these promising data, Poloxamer 407 has been held responsible for lipidic profile alteration and possible renal toxicity, which compromises its development for parenteral applications. In addition, new findings have demonstrated immuno-modulation and cytotoxicity-promoting properties of Poloxamer 407 revealing significant pharmacological interest and, hence, human trials are in progress to specify these potential applications.     

Gastroretentive drug delivery system of metoclopramide hydrochloride: formulation and in vitro evaluation

The present investigation concerns the development of floating matrix tablets of metoclopramide hydrochloride (MHCl) for improving its bioavailability by prolonging gastric residence time. Floating matrix tablets (FMT) of MHCl were prepared using the polymers guar gum (GG), karaya gum (KG), HPMC E15 (HE) alone and in combination with HPMC K15M (HK) and gas generating agents such as calcium carbonate and citric acid. The fabricated tablets were evaluated for their physical characteristics such as hardness, drug content, buoyancy, swelling properties and in vitro release studies in 0.1N HCl. The tablets without gas generating agents and HK did not float at all whereas tablets with gas generating agents and without HK floated for 2.33-5.48 h then eroded completely and exhibited faster drug release. Tablets with gas generating agents and HK floated for 24 h without complete erosion and showed slower drug release. This indicates that gas generating agents contributes towards the initial floating of tablets and faster drug release and HK for maintaining the integrity of the FMT and sustaining the drug release. The increase in the concentration of HK in FMT from 10 mg to 40 mg resulted in decrease in release rate of drug. The possibility of drug polymer interaction was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, and confirmed no interaction between drug and polymers. The release pattern of prepared tablets followed Higuchi kinetics which confirms release mechanism by diffusion.     

Influence of HPMC K100LV and Compritol® HD5 ATO on Drug Release and Rheological Behavior of HPMC K4M Matrix Tablets

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to develop once-a-day oral controlled-release tablets of quetiapine fumarate (QF) and to determine the effect of polymer type, viscosity grade, polymer ratio, and polymer rheological properties on the rate of QF release from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablets.

Methods

Tablets were prepared from low-viscosity-grade HPMC K100LV (K100LV), high-viscosity-grade HPMC K4M (K4M), Compritol® HD5 ATO (PEGylated glyceryl behenate (PGB)), and binary combinations of these polymers. In vitro drug release from all tablets was evaluated over 24 h.

Results

In vitro drug release studies revealed that formulations containing K100LV/K4M and PGB/K4M at a ratio of 170:70 resulted in similar release profiles which extended for 24 h (f2 > 50). QF release kinetics followed either diffusion, anomalous transport, case II transport, or super case II transport, as fitted by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Tablet swelling and erosion studies were consistent with dissolution profiles. A linear relationship between % swelling and % QF released was observed in tablets containing K4M alone or in combination with K100LV or PGB, indicating the direct role of polymer swelling in controlling the mechanism of drug release. The viscoelastic properties of single and binary polymeric gels made with the three polymers (K100LV, K4M, and PGB) corroborated the in vitro release studies of QF tablets.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that blending polymers with different viscosities and hydrophilicities can result in unique matrices with tunable release profiles.

     

Parameters affecting the drug release from in situ gelling nasal inserts.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of physicochemical drug properties, drug loading, and composition of the release medium on the drug release from in situ gelling nasal inserts. Sponge-like nasal inserts of carrageenan and HPMC K15M with the model drugs oxymetazoline HCl, diprophyllin, and acetaminophen (APAP) were prepared by lyophilization. Drug release studies at different drug loadings were performed in various release media. Raman analysis, DSC, and SEM were conducted to analyze the physical state of the drugs in the inserts. All drugs were dissolved in the solid HPMC inserts and were released at similar rates at all investigated loadings except for the least soluble APAP. APAP concentrations in the hydrating HPMC K15M inserts in excess of its solubility limit resulted in reduced relative release rates at higher drug loadings. Drug-polymer interactions (formation of less soluble drug-polymer salts) resulted in a slower release of oxymetazoline HCl from carrageenan inserts than from HPMC K15M inserts. Changes in the composition of the release medium affected the water uptake of carrageenan but not of HPMC K15M inserts. Oxymetazoline release from carrageenan inserts increased with higher Na+-content of the medium because of ion exchange and at low (pH 2) as well as at high pH (pH 10). The osmolality of the release medium had no effect. The solubility of the drug, its physical state in the polymer matrix, and drug-polymer interactions governed the drug release from nasal inserts. The release from inserts prepared with oppositely charged polymers and drugs was influenced by electrostatic drug-polymer interactions and by the composition of the release medium.     

Effect of formulation variables on drug and polymer release from HPMC-based matrix tablets

The objective of this work was to assess the effect of two formulation variables, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)/lactose ratio and HPMC viscosity grade, on the release of a model drug and HPMC, as well as the mechanism of drug release from HPMC-based matrix tablets. A water-soluble compound, adinazolam mesylate, was used as the model drug. Both drug and HPMC release were found to be a function of the formulation variables, with higher drug and HPMC release rates for formulations with lower HPMC/lactose ratios and lower HPMC viscosity grades. However, the K15M and K100M formulations had identical drug release profiles. All the drug release data fit well to the Higuchi expression. By comparing the drug and HPMC release data, it was concluded that diffusion of drug through the hydrated gel layer was the predominant drug release mechanism for most of the formulations studied.     

Effect of Mechanical Properties on the Release of Meloxicam from Poloxamer Gel Bases

Thermoreversible gel of meloxicam, efficient for the treatment of joint diseases, was aimed to prepare for night application available for chronotherapy in this study. Poloxamer 407 and 188 polymers were used at 20-30% w/w as a vehicle in combination with different additives (polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride copolymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol 400, dimethyl sulfoxide, sodium chloride). Characterisation of prepared gels was evaluated by viscosity and texture analysis, and the effect of formulation variables on the gel formulations were evaluated by in vitro drug release and erosion studies. Between the investigated gel bases, Poloxamer 407-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel was found to be ideal due to its gel strength (1.560±0.0135 N), viscosity (312.3±2.06 cP) and release characteristics. These promising results could be encouraging for further studies to make it an alternative to commercial dosage forms.     

Rheological characterization of Poloxamer 407 lidocaine hydrochloride gels.

Thermal gelation of Poloxamer 407 lidocaine hydrochloride gels was characterized by rheological studies. Lidocaine, a local anesthetic used for treatment of acute and chronic pain, presents short duration action; thus a long-action single-dose injection would be of clinical importance. Poloxamer 407 gel can extend the release and the action of lidocaine. In the present work, aqueous gels with lidocaine containing different concentrations of Poloxamer 407 and additives like inorganic salts (NaCl, NaH(2)PO(4), Na(2)CO(3)) and PEG 400 were obtained. Viscosity measurements and the optimal sol-gel transition temperature were obtained by these rheological studies. Poloxamer 407 gels are viscoelastic materials because they have elastic modulus (G'), characteristic of solid materials, and viscous modulus (G"), characteristic of liquid materials. Poloxamer 407 gels are pseudoplastic; therefore, when shear deformed, their viscosity decreases. Increase of the polymer concentration increases the viscosity of the gels, which can change the releasing process of lidocaine from the gel. The sol-gel transition temperature was decreased by increasing the polymer concentration and by the presence of additives. The rheological behaviour of Poloxamer gels characterized in this work can be useful for understanding further studies of drug release.     

Design and characterization of colon-specific drug delivery system containing paracetamol microsponges

The present work was aimed at designing microsponge based colon specific drug delivery system containing paracetamol. Eudragit S-100 based microsponges containing drug in varying amounts were prepared using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. The microsponges were prepared by optimizing various process parameters. DSC and FTIR studies indicated compatibility of the drug in various formulations. Shape and surface morphology of the microsponges were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The formulations were subjected to in vitro release studies and the results were evaluated kinetically and statistically. The in vitro release data showed a bi-phasic pattern with an initial burst effect. In the first hour drug release from microsponges was found to be between 18-30%. The cumulative percent release at the end of 12(th) hour was noted to be between 74-98%. The release kinetics showed that the data followed Higuchi model and the main mechanism of drug release was diffusion. The colon specific tablets were prepared by compressing the microsponges followed by coating with pectin: hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) mixture. In vitro release studies exhibited that compression coated colon specific tablet formulations started releasing the drug at 6(th) hour corresponding to the arrival time at proximal colon. The study presents a new approach for colon specific drug delivery.     

Formulation and optimization of sustained release matrix tablet of metformin HCl 500 mg using response surface methodology

The aim of the current study was to design an oral sustained release matrix tablet of metformin HCl and to optimize the drug release profile using response surface methodology. Tablets were prepared by non-aqueous wet granulation method using HPMC K 15M as matrix forming polymer. A central composite design for 2 factors at 3 levels each was employed to systematically optimize drug release profile. HPMC K 15M (X(1)) and PVP K 30 (X(2)) were taken as the independent variables. The dependent variables selected were % of drug released in 1 hr (rel(1 hr)), % of drug released in 8 hrs (rel(8 hrs)) and time to 50% drug release (t(50%)). Contour plots were drawn, and optimum formulations were selected by feasibility and grid searches. The formulated tablets followed Higuchi drug release kinetics and diffusion was the dominant mechanism of drug release, resulting in regulated and complete release within 8 hrs. The polymer (HPMC K 15M) and binder (PVP K 30) had significant effect on the drug release from the tablets (p<0.05). Polynomial mathematical models, generated for various response variables using multiple linear regression analysis, were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Validation of optimization study, performed using 8 confirmatory runs, indicated very high degree of prognostic ability of response surface methodology, with mean percentage error (+/-S.D.) 0.0437+/-0.3285. Besides unraveling the effect of the 2 factors on the in vitro drug release, the study helped in finding the optimum formulation with sustained drug release.     

Formulation and evaluation of a gastroretentive dosage form of labetalol hydrochloride

Labetalol hydrochloride (LBT), 2-hydroxy-5-[1-hydroxy-2-[(1-methyl-3-phenylpropyl) amino] ethyl]-benzamide, a non-selective α, β-adrenoceptor antagonist is used in the treatment of hypertension. It shows variable bioavailability ranging from 10–80% which may be attributed to its minimum solubility in pH range 6 to 10, the pH conditions prevailing at the major site of absorption i.e. small intestine. Also due to its half life of 3 to 6 hrs it is administered twice daily. In the present work non-effervescent sustained release gastroretentive floating tablets of labetalol hydrochloride have been developed using various grades of HPMC and Poloxamer M127 as wetting agent. The tablets were evaluated for in vitro drug release, floating time, floating lag time, swelling studies etc. The tablets formulated with HPMC K4M CR and HPMC K15M CR along with Poloxamer showed negligible floating lag time with a total floating time over 12 hrs with complete release. Formulation was optimized using Stat-Ease Design Expert 7.1 software. Optimized batch was evaluated for the effect of change of osmolarity and pH on drug release, floating and swelling behaviour.     

Influence of cellulose ether mixtures on ibuprofen release: MC25, HPC and HPMC K100M

The influence of cellulose ether derivatives on ibuprofen release from matrix tablets was investigated. Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments were used, in order to examine the compatibility between the matrix components: both excipients and ibuprofen. While both the DSC and Raman results did not detect any incompatibilities, DSC revealed the existence of some drug:excipient interactions, reflected by variations in the hydration/dehydration processes. Formulations containing mixtures of polymers with both low and high viscosity grades-methylcellulose (MC25) or hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K100M), respectively--were prepared by a direct compression method (using 20, 25, and 30% of either MC25 or HPC). The tablets were evaluated for their drug content, weight uniformity, hardness, thickness, tensile strength, friability, porosity, surface area, and volume. Parameters such as the mean dissolution time (MDT) and the dissolution efficiency (DE) were calculated in all cases. The solid formulations presently studied demonstrated a predominantly Fickian diffusion release mechanism.     

Mathematical modeling of drug release profiles for modified hydrophobic HPMC based gels

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is now available in modified hydrophobic forms (Sangelose). In this paper, the effect of viscosity grade and HPMC concentration on in vitro release kinetics of a topically applied drug were studied using gel formulations of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac potassium (DP), with different viscosity grades of the polymer (60L, 60 M, 90 M for hydrophobic HPMC and 50 cPs for conventional hydrophilic HPMC) in different proportions. It was found that hydrophobic HPMC-based gels having a higher viscosity and lower polymer concentration release a notably higher amount of drug compared with hydrophilic HPMC-based gels containing a higher concentration of polymer but with lower viscosity. For gels, the suitability of different common empirical (zero-order, first-order, and Higuchi), and semi-empirical (Ritger-Peppas and Peppas-Sahlin) models, and some new statistical (logistic, log-logistic, Weibull, Gumbel, and generalized extreme value distribution) models to describe the drug release profile were tested through non-linear least-square curve fitting. A general purpose mathematical analysis tool MATLAB was used. Further, instead of the widely used transformed linear fit method, direct fitting was used in the paper to avoid any form of truncation and transformation errors. The results revealed that the log-logistic distribution, amongst all the models investigated, was the best fit for hydrophobic formulations. For hydrophilic ones, the semi-empirical models and Weibull distribution worked best, although log-logistic also showed a close fit. The shape parameter for the log-logistic and Weibull distribution conveys vital information about the rate of release and helps improve understanding of drug release profiles.