FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SUSTAINED RELEASE TABLETS CONTAINING ANTIOXIDANTS

Deficiency in nutrients especially antioxidants play an important role in the pathogenesis of acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Antioxidants; vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium are available in market as capsules. The release rate is very fast followed by fast elimination. It is necessary to prolong the residence time of antioxidants. Sustained release tablet formulation was designed and evaluated on small scale and on large scale preparations. Low attention has been discuss the use of sustained release formula in treatment of AIDS. Sustained release tablet formulation was designed and evaluated on small scale and on large scale preparations. The formulated tablets contained beta-carotene, vitamin C, tocopherol acetate, selenium, yeast and zinc pidolate. Vitamin C was chosen as tracer for detection and evaluation of tablet dosage form. Vitamin C was found to be stable in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) along 8 hrs at 37 degrees C. The formulated tablets passed the pharmacopeial requirements for all tablet tests. The formulated tablets showed sustained release characteristics of vitamin C as a tracer, within 8 hrs.