Development of Diclofenac Sodium Matrix Tablets using Sunflower Stem Residue

Hydrophilic matrix based tablets using different concentration of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Methocel K4M) and treated sunflower stem residues were developed by using wet granulation technique for Diclofenac Sodium (DS) (100mg). Different formulations were prepared and evaluated for the release of DS over a period of 10 hours in phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) using USP type II dissolution apparatus. Along with usual physical properties, tests like friability, weight variation, hardness, drug content, thickness and the dynamic of water uptake and erosion were also studied. The in vitro drug release revealed that the replacement of HPMC by treated sunflower stem residues in tablet dosage form controlled the release of DS for 10 hours. The drug release was comparable with the commercially available Fenbar SR (Diclofenac Sodium 100mg). Tablet friability, weight variation, drug content, thickness and hardness tests were also in conformity with United State Pharmacopeia (USP). Water uptake and erosion study of the tablets indicated that swelling followed by erosion could be the possible mechanism of drug *release. The in vitro release data indicated that DS followed zero-order kinetics. In conclusion, the in vitro release profile and the mathematical models indicate that using HPMC and treated sunflower stem residue in combination can effectively control the release of DS