Development and evaluation of buccoadhesive propranolol hydrochloride tablet formulations: effect of fillers

The buccal mucosa has been investigated for local and systemic delivery of therapeutic peptides and other drugs that are subjected to first-pass metabolism or are unstable within the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. Propranolol hydrochloride (propranolol HCl) is subjected to first-pass effect, therefore formulation of buccal-adhesive dosage form can circumvent this effect. The effect of lactose (a soluble excipient) and dicalcium phosphate (DCP) (an insoluble excipient) on dissolution rate, kinetic of release and adhesion force of buccal-adhesive tablets of propranolol HCl were evaluated. Each tablet composed of 80 mg propranolol HCl, 80 mg hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) K4M, polycarbophil AA1 and lactose or DCP with different ratios. The results showed that the presence of the fillers increased dissolution rate of the drug. The release data also showed that the effect of lactose on the dissolution rate was greater than the DCP. Kinetic release of propranolol HCl from buccal-adhesive matrices was affected by the different ratios of polymers and fillers. The fillers reduced the bioadhesion force and this effect was more considerable in formulation containing DCP. In order to determine the mode of release, the data were analyzed based on the equation Q =kt(n). The results showed that an increase in the concentration of HPMC K4M resulted in a reduction in the value of n. The value of n was not significantly affected by an increase in the concentration of lactose or DCP. The values of n in this study were calculated to be between 0.461 and 0.619, indicating both diffusional release and erosional mechanism.     

Drug/cyclodextrin solid systems in the design of hydrophilic matrices: a strategy to modulate drug delivery rate

The aim of this study was to investigate how the delivery rate of erodible sustained-release hydrophilic matrices intended for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs can be optimized through the incorporation of drug/cyclodextrin binary systems. Carvedilol (CAR), a sparingly water-soluble antihypertensive drug, was selected as a model for the study. As first, we attempted to improve CAR apparent solubility by association with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) and then incorporated CAR/HPbetaCD binary systems in sustained-release tablets made of poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO). Solid CAR/HPbetaCD binary systems were prepared by physical mixing, kneading, co-melting and freeze-drying methods and characterized by DSC and X-ray powder diffractometry. The amount of CAR dissolved from all the HPbetaCD-containing systems was higher than pure CAR, the co-molten and freeze-dried products showing the best dissolution performance. The incorporation of the binary systems in PEO tablets resulted in a CAR release rate much higher than tablets containing only CAR. It was found that the time necessary to achieve complete release from the tablet was linearly related to the dissolution parameters of CAR/HPbetaCD powders. In the case of co-molten and freeze-dried products, all CAR content could be released in about 12 and 10 h, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the incorporation of drug/cyclodextrin solid systems in erodable PEO matrices intended for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs is useful to modulate the release rate by controlling the dissolution properties of the drug inside the tablet.     

Importance of drug type, tablet shape and added diluents on drug release kinetics from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose matrix tablets

The dissolution of 7 drugs from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) matrices have been examined to determine the time exponent (tⁿ) required to produce linear dissolution profiles. A value of n = ˜ 0.67 was obtained for time-dependent release for soluble drugs, the precise values being 0.71, 0.65, 0.67 and 0.64 for promethazine hydrochloride, aminophylline, propranolol hydrochloride and theophylline, respectively. The insoluble drugs, indomethacin and diazepam, displayed values of n = 0.90 and 0.82 indicating a near zero-order release. Matrices containing tetracycline hydrochloride, however, showed a value of n = 0.45 and displayed complex release patterns and lower release rates than anticipated on the basis of solubility. Replacement of HPMC by calcium phosphate or lactose increased the dissolution rates of promethazine hydrochloride although the values of n were unchanged. Differences in release rates between lactose and calcium phosphate replacement occurred only when matrices contained high levels of the diluents. A straight line relationship existed between release rates and tablet surface area for HPMC tablets containing promethazine hydrochloride.     

Graft copolymers of ethyl methacrylate on waxy maize starch derivatives as novel excipients for matrix tablets: drug release and fronts movement kinetics

A previous paper deals with the physicochemical and technological characterization of novel graft copolymers of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) on waxy maize starch (MS) and hydroxypropylstarch (MHS). The results obtained suggested the potential application of these copolymers as excipients for compressed non-disintegrating matrix tablets. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism governing drug release from matrix systems prepared with the new copolymers and anhydrous theophylline or diltiazem HCl as model drugs with different solubility. The influence of the carbohydrate nature, drying procedure and initial pore network on drug release kinetics was also evaluated. Drug release experiments were performed from free tablets. Radial drug release and fronts movement kinetics were also analysed, and several mathematical models were employed to ascertain the drug release mechanisms. The drug release markedly depends on the drug solubility and the carbohydrate nature but is practically not affected by the drying process and the initial matrix porosity. A faster drug release is observed for matrices containing diltiazem HCl compared with those containing anhydrous theophylline, in accordance with the higher drug solubility and the higher friability of diltiazem matrices. In fact, although diffusion is the prevailing drug release mechanism for all matrices, the erosion mechanism seems to have some contribution in several formulations containing diltiazem. A reduction in the surface exposed to the dissolution medium (radial release studies) leads to a decrease in the drug release rate, but the release mechanism is not essentially modified. The nearly constant erosion front movement confirms the behaviour of these systems as inert matrices where the drugs are released mainly by diffusion through the porous structure.     

Controlled and complete release of a model poorly water-soluble drug, prednisolone, from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrix tablets using (SBE)(7m)-beta-cyclodextrin as a solubilizing agent.

Sustained-release formulations such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based hydrophilic matrix tablets of poorly water-soluble drugs often result in incomplete release because of the poor solubility and dissolution rate of the drug in the hydrophilic matrix. Sulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrins ((SBE)(7M)-beta-CDs) have been known to improve the solubility of such drugs by forming inclusion complexes. The present paper deals with the modification of drug release from an HPMC-based matrix tablet of a sparingly water-soluble drug, prednisolone (PDL), using (SBE)(7M)-beta-CD as a solubilizing agent. Tablets were prepared by direct compression of a physically mixed PDL, (SBE)(7M)-beta-CD, and polymer. On exposure to water, an in situ PDL:(SBE)(7M)-beta-CD complex was formed in the gel layer, and enhanced drug release relative to a control formulation was observed (lactose used as the excipient instead of (SBE)(7M)-beta-CD ). Other possible changes due to the incorporation of (SBE)(7M)-beta-CD in the formulation were also probed. Incorporation of (SBE)(7M)-beta-CD lead to a higher water uptake relative to the control (lactose) formulation. For a fixed total tablet weight, polymer type, and loading, the drug release rate appeared to depend on the molar ratio of (SBE)(7M)-beta-CD to PDL and not the absolute amount of (SBE)(7M)-beta-CD present in the matrix tablet. This work shows that incorporation of (SBE)(7M)-beta-CD into the matrix tablets could be considered in designing a sustained-release tablet of poorly water-soluble drugs.     

Analysis of macromolecular changes and drug release from hydrophilic matrix systems

The influence of water-soluble and insoluble excipients on dynamics of hydration, front movement, erosion, and drug release from hydrophilic matrix tablets containing water-soluble drug was studied. Tablets were manufactured by direct compression, and their un-constrained swelling behavior and gel strength were assessed with a texture analyzer. Dissolution was performed using USP 26 apparatus II modified by insertion of a mesh to prevent sticking of tablets to the bottom of the vessel and to allow free three-dimensional matrix swelling. Significant release differences between tablet batches were observed and this was consistent with changes in swelling rate, gel thickness, and swelling front movement within the tablets. Matrices containing approximately 30% drug load and water-soluble lactose, demonstrated more pronounced swelling front movement and hence drug release relative to the matrix tablets containing dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. The observed differences in release were verified by calculating the similarity and difference factors. The interdependence of front movement and mass erosion in relation to excipient types on progression of swelling front movement and alteration of water penetration, erosion, and drug release are explained. It is concluded that unlike in conventional dosage forms inclusion of excipients in hydrophilic controlled-release tablets containing water-soluble drugs should be carefully analyzed as their various physico-chemical properties may have significant implications on swelling dynamics, front movement, drug release kinetics, and consequently in vivo performance.     

Modulation of drug release kinetics of shellac-based matrix tablets by in-situ polymerization through annealing process.

A new oral-controlled release matrix tablet based on shellac polymer was designed and developed, using metronidazole (MZ) as a model drug. The shellac-based matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation using different amounts of shellac and lactose. The effect of annealing temperature and pH of medium on drug release from matrix tablets was investigated. The increased amount of shellac and increased annealing temperature significantly affected the physical properties (i.e., tablet hardness and tablet disintegration) and MZ release from the matrix tablets. The in-situ polymerization played a major role on the changes in shellac properties during annealing process. Though the shellac did not dissolve in acid medium, the MZ release in 0.1N HCl was faster than in pH 7.3 buffer, resulting from a higher solubility of MZ in acid medium. The modulation of MZ release kinetics from shellac-based matrix tablets could be accomplished by varying the amount of shellac or annealing temperature. The release kinetics was shifted from relaxation-controlled release to diffusion-controlled release when the amount of shellac or the annealing temperature was increased.     

Optimization and prediction of drug release from matrix tablets using response surface methodology and near infrared chemical imaging

The purpose of this work was to understand the formulation effect on the drug release from a hydrophilic matrix tablet of niacin using a multivariate statistical technique and Near Infrared Chemical Imaging (NIR-CI). Tablets were composed of ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as release retarding polymers and lactose as the release modulator. D-optimal experimental design was composed of three formulation variables: the content of EC(X(1)), PEO (X(2)), and lactose (X(3)). Response surface methodology (RSM) and multiple response optimization utilizing the polynomial equation were used to predict the optimal formulation. Results showed that the interaction effect of lactose with the polymers PEO and EC and lactose by itself were the most influential factors on the drug release rate. While lactose enhances the drug release rate by forming pores it also promotes water penetration into the tablet core. This in turn helps the formation of the gel layer which acts as barrier to drug diffusion. NIR-CI showed that tablets with higher level of PEO swells at a faster rate and greater extent than formulations with higher level of EC. NIR-CI was thus found to be a very useful technique to predict the drug release rate from hydrophilic matrix systems.     

Evaluations of the Effect of Sodium Metabisulphite on the Stability and Dissolution Rates of Various Model Drugs from the Extended Release Polyethylene Oxide Matrices

Purpose

This study examines the effect of sodium metabisulphite (SMB) as an antioxidant on the stability and release of various model drugs, namely, propranolol HCl, theophylline and zonisamide from the polyethylene oxide (PEO) tablets. The antioxidant was used to minimise degradation and instability of the manufactured tablets when stored at 40 °C (55 ± 5% RH) over 8 weeks.

Method

Multiple batches of tablets weighing 240 mg (50% w/w) with a ratio of 1:1 drug/polymer and 1% (w/w) sodium metabisulphite containing different model drugs and various molecular weights of PEO 750 and 303 were produced.

Results

The results indicated that the use of sodium metabisulphite marginally assisted in reducing drug release and degradation via oxidation in propranolol HCl tablets containing both PEO 750 and 303. In the case of poorly and semi-soluble drugs (zonisamide and theophylline), the formulations with both PEO showed entirely superimposable phenomenon and different release profiles compared to control samples (matrices without SMB). DSC study demonstrated the modifications of the polymer due to degradation and observed the effect of SMB on the thermal degradation of the PEO matrices.

Conclusion

The use of antioxidant has assisted in retaining the stability of the manufactured tablets with different model drugs especially those with the highly soluble drug that are susceptible to rapid degradation. This has been reflected by an extended release profile of various drugs used at various stages of the storage time up to 8 weeks.

     

Optimization and prediction of drug release from matrix tablets using response surface methodology and near infrared chemical imaging

The purpose of this work was to understand the formulation effect on the drug release from a hydrophilic matrix tablet of niacin using a multivariate statistical technique and Near Infrared Chemical Imaging (NIR-CI). Tablets were composed of ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as release retarding polymers and lactose as the release modulator. D-optimal experimental design was composed of three formulation variables: the content of EC(X₁), PEO (X₂), and lactose (X₃). Response surface methodology (RSM) and multiple response optimization utilizing the polynomial equation were used to predict the optimal formulation. Results showed that the interaction effect of lactose with the polymers PEO and EC and lactose by itself were the most influential factors on the drug release rate. While lactose enhances the drug release rate by forming pores it also promotes water penetration into the tablet core. This in turn helps the formation of the gel layer which acts as barrier to drug diffusion. NIR-CI showed that tablets with higher level of PEO swells at a faster rate and greater extent than formulations with higher level of EC. NIR-CI was thus found to be a very useful technique to predict the drug release rate from hydrophilic matrix systems.     

Polymers-gamma ray interaction. Effects of gamma irradiation on modified release drug delivery systems for oral administration

The aim of this work is to verify the efficiency of two kinds of matrix tablets formulations containing PEO or PVA as retarding polymer. Moreover, since in the last years the exposure to ionizing radiation is a more and more used method to reduce bacterial charge in pharmaceutical products, the effects of gamma irradiation on these two kinds of polymers has been evaluated. The study is performed on matrix tablets containing diltiazem HCl, as model drug, and polyethylene oxides (PEO) of two different molecular weights or polyvinylalchool (PVA) of medium degree of hydrolysis, as drug release modulators. Dissolution of the matrices, release of diltiazem and morphological behaviour of the samples, before and after exposure to increasing doses of gamma irradiation, are investigated in order to verify their stability. The results show that the ionizing radiation does not modify significantly the dissolution trend of the PVA samples; on the contrary, the dissolution and the morphological behaviour of the PEO matrices is strongly affected by the radiation dose received. In particular, the dissolution rate of the irradiated PEO tablets dramatically increases as a function of the irradiation dose and the swelling process, which characterised the non-irradiated PEO samples, was replaced by a rapid erosion process responsible for the quickly dissolution of the matrices. The changes of the dissolution and morphological PEO tablets performances could be explained by a breaking of the polymeric chains (shown by EPR studies) as a consequence of the exposure to gamma rays. These chemical-structural modifications of the polymers are responsible for the reduced efficacy of the PEO systems in controlling the drug release rate.     

Calculation of the required size and shape of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrices to achieve desired drug release profiles

The aim of this study was to develop methods for the design of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) tablets with specified drug profiles. This was achieved by the use of a mathematical model developed to predict the release kinetics of water-soluble drugs from HPMC matrices. The required model parameters were determined experimentally for propranolol HCl and chlorpheniramine maleate in 0. 1 N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 7.4, respectively. Then, the effects of the dimensions and aspect ratio (radius/height) of the tablets on the drug release rate were evaluated. Independent experiments were conducted to verify the theoretical predictions. Acceptable agreement between theory and experiment was found, irrespective of the type of release medium and drug. However, statistical analysis revealed a structure in the resulting residuals. Drug release rates are overestimated at the beginning and underestimated at the end of the process. Possible explanations and modifications of the model are thoroughly discussed. Both, theoretical and experimental data showed that a broad spectrum of drug release patterns can be achieved by varying the size and shape of the tablet. The effect of the initial matrix radius on release was found to be more pronounced than the effect of the initial thickness. The practical benefit of the proposed method is to predict the required size and shape of new controlled drug delivery systems to achieve desired release profiles, thus significantly facilitating the development of new pharmaceutical products.     

Design of pH-independent extended release matrix tablets of minocycline hydrochloride for the treatment of dementia

The aim of this study was to develop a pH-independent extended release matrix tablet of minocycline HCl for the treatment of dementia. The matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique using Eudragit L and S as release modifiers at different w/w ratios (1:0, 1:1 and 0:1) and PEO as a matrix former. In the case of the matrix tablet without any release modifiers, the drug release rate at pH 1.2 was much higher than that of pH 7.4. By adding the release modifier, the drug release rate at pH 7.4 increased close to that of pH 1.2 and the pH-independent release was obtained. In addition, it was shown that lubricants containing a divalent cation such as Mg stearate inhibited minocycline release in basic medium. Therefore, the incorporation of Eudragit L and S (1:1 ratio) as release modifiers and Na stearyl fumarate as a lubricant into PEO-based matrix tablets effectively produced pH-independent minocycline release profiles.     

In vitro controlled release of sodium ferulate from Compritol 888 ATO-based matrix tablets

A controlled release matrix formulation for freely water-soluble drug of sodium ferulate (SF) was designed and developed to achieve a 24h release profile. Using Compritol 888 ATO as an inert matrix-forming agent to control the release of SF, formulation granules containing the physical mixtures or solid dispersions were investigated. The matrix tablets for these formulations were prepared by direct compression and their in vitro release tests were carried out. The solid dispersion based tablets were found to be more effective than those compressed from physical mixtures in retarding the release of SF. Drug release from the matrix tablets containing physical mixtures nearly completed within 12h, while that from the solid dispersion formulations lasted for over 24h. Images of the tablet surface and cross-section were characterized by scanning electron microscopy to show the formed pores and channels in the matrices. These might provide the release pathway for the inner embedded drugs. Drug released fast from the matrix tablets with the release-enhancer of lactose. The addition of surfactants was also found to increase the release rate of SF effectively. Moreover, the co-mixing of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) in the waxy matrices played a meaningful role in controlling the drug release for 24h. The drug release from the novel formulation might be attributed to the diffusion-controlled mechanism.     

Tablet and capsule hydrophilic matrices based on heterodisperse polysaccharides having porosity-independent in vitro release profiles

The purpose of the study was to investigate the release-controlling action of a swellable hydrophilic material based on heterodisperse polysaccharides (HP) in relation to the initial pore structure of the formulations. HP-based granules were produced under carefully controlled conditions and compacted into matrix tablets having equivalent tablet thickness. Quantification of pore structure using mercury porosimetry showed that the tablets had substantially different pore volumes and pore size distributions. Dissolution studies demonstrated that release of a water-soluble model compound, benzamide, from swollen matrices was affected neither by total porosity nor median pore diameter of the initial dry matrix. To extend the concept of porosity-independent release further, HP-based formulations containing either diclofenac sodium or propranolol HCl were contained within hard gelatin capsules in the form of uncompacted granules. This produced a dosage form with a high intraparticulate porosity in the dry state. Equivalent weights of the same formulations were also compacted into tablets. The in vitro release profiles from matrix tablets compacted from any of the formulations did not differ significantly from release profiles obtained when the same materials were contained uncompacted in hard gelatin capsules.     

Modified release from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose compression-coated tablets

The goal of this study was to obtain flexible extended drug release profiles (e.g., sigmoidal, pulsatile, increasing/decreasing release rates with time) with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) compression-coated tablets. Drugs of varying solubility (carbamazepine, acetaminophen, propranolol HCl and chlorpheniramine maleate) were incorporated into the tablet core in order to evaluate the flexibility/limitations of the compression-coated system. The HPMC-compression-coating resulted in release profiles with a distinct lag time followed by different release phases primarily determined by the drug solubility. Carbamazepine, a water-insoluble drug, was released in a pulsatile fashion after a lag time only after erosion of the HPMC compression-coat, while the more soluble drugs were released in a sigmoidal fashion by diffusion through the gel prior to erosion. With carbamazepine, increasing the molecular weight of HPMC significantly increased the lag time because of the erosion-based release mechanism, while, in contrast, molecular weight did not affect the release of the more soluble drugs. The lag-time and the release rate could also be well controlled by varying the HPMC amount in and the thickness of the compression-coating. A pulsatile release could also be achieved for water-soluble drugs by introducing an enteric polymer coating between the drug core and the HPMC compression-coating. This novel concept of introducing an enteric subcoating eliminated drug diffusion through the gelled HPMC layer prior to its erosion. Incorporating drug in the compression-coating in addition to the tablet core in varying ratios resulted in release profiles with increasing, decreasing or constant release rates. In conclusion, a versatile single-unit delivery system for a wide range of drugs with great flexibility in release profiles was presented.     

Preparation and characterization of pH-independent sustained release tablet containing solid dispersion granules of a poorly water-soluble drug

Sustained release (SR) tablets containing solid dispersions (SD) granules of a poorly water-soluble drug were prepared to investigate the controlled pH-independent release of the drug. Losartan potassium (LST), an anti-hypertensive agent was chosen as a model drug because of its pH-dependent solubility and short elimination half-life. Poloxamer 188 was used as an SD carrier. A free-flowing SD granule was prepared by adsorbing the melt of the drug and poloxamer 188 onto the surface of an adsorbent, Aerosil 300 (fumed silicon dioxide), followed by direct compression with polyethylene oxide (PEO, 5 × 10(6)) to obtain an SD-loaded SR (SD-SR) matrix tablet. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) revealed partially amorphous structures of the drug in the SD granules. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) images indicated adsorption of SD granules onto the surface of the adsorbent. The SD granules dissolved completely within 10 min, a dissolution rate much higher than that of pure LST. Moreover, pH-independent sustained release of LST from the SD-SR tablet was achieved for 2h in gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and for 10h in intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). A combination of SD techniques using surface adsorption and SR concepts is a promising approach to control the release rate of poorly water-soluble drugs in a pH-independent manner.     

Preparation of highly porous gastroretentive metformin tablets using a sublimation method

The present investigation is aimed to formulate floating gastroretentive tablets containing metformin using a sublimation material. In this study, the release of the drug from a matrix tablet was highly dependent on the polymer concentrations. In all formulations, initial rapid drug release was observed, possibly due to the properties of the drug and polymer. The effect of the amount of PEO on swelling and eroding of the tablets was determined. The water-uptake and erosion behavior of the gastroretentive (GR) tablets were highly dependent on the amount of PEO. The water-uptake increased with increasing PEO concentration in the tablet matrix. The weight loss from tablets decreased with increasing amounts of PEO. Camphor was used as the sublimation material to prepare GR tablets that are low-density and easily floatable. Camphor was changed to pores in the tablet during the sublimation process. SEM revealed that the GR tablets have a highly porous morphology. Floating properties of tablets and tablet density were affected by the sublimation of camphor. Prepared floating gastroretentive tablets floated for over 24 h and had no floating lag time. However, as the amount of camphor in the tablet matrix increased, the crushing strength of the tablet decreased after sublimation. Release profiles of the drug from the GR tablets were not affected by tablet density or porosity. In pharmacokinetic studies, the mean plasma concentration of the GR tablets after oral administration was greater than the concentration of glucophase XR. Also, the mean AUC_0–∞ values for the GR tablets were significantly greater than the plasma concentrations of glucophase XR.     

Evaluation of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos Linn.) gum as sustaining material in tablet dosage forms

In this study, honey locust gum (HLG) obtained from Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) beans was investigated as a hydrophilic matrix material in the tablets prepared at different concentrations (5% and 10%) by wet granulation method. Theophylline was chosen as a model drug. The matrix tablets containing hydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as sustaining polymers at the same concentrations were prepared and a commercial sustained release (CSR) tablet containing 200 mg theophylline was examined for comparison of HLG performance. Physical analysis on CSR tablet, matrix tablets and their granules before compression were performed. According to the results obtained from dissolution studies in distilled water, pH 1.2 HCl buffer and pH 7.2 phosphate buffer, no significant difference was found between CSR tablet and the matrix tablet containing 10% HLG in each medium (P > 0.05) and these tablets showed zero-order kinetic model in all the mediums.     

Tablet and Capsule Hydrophilic Matrices Based on Heterodisperse Polysaccharides Having Porosity-Independent In Vitro Release Profiles

The purpose of the study was to investigate the release-controlling action of a swellable hydrophilic material based on heterodisperse polysaccharides (HP) in relation to the initial pore structure of the formulations. HP-based granules were produced under carefully controlled conditions and compacted into matrix tablets having equivalent tablet thickness. Quantification of pore structure using mercury porosimetry showed that the tablets had substantially different pore volumes and pore size distributions. Dissolution studies demonstrated that release of a water-soluble model compound, benzamide, from swollen matrices was affected neither by total porosity nor median pore diameter of the initial dry matrix. To extend the concept of porosity-independent release further, HP-based formulations containing either diclofenac sodium or propranolol HCl were contained within hard gelatin capsules in the form of uncompacted granules. This produced a dosage form with a high intraparticulate porosity in the dry state. Equivalent weights of the same formulations were also compacted into tablets. The in vitro release profiles from matrix tablets compacted from any of the formulations did not differ significantly from release profiles obtained when the same materials were contained uncompacted in hard gelatin capsules.