Development of orodispersible tablets of taste masked rizatriptan benzoate using hydroxypropyl β cyclodextrin

The objective of the present study was to prepare orodispersible tablets of rizatriptan benzoate using hydroxypropyl β cyclodextrin (HPβCD) to mask the bitter taste. Taste-masked complex of rizatriptan was prepared with HPβCD by kneading, and analyzed for drug content, FTIR, DSC and bitterness test. Tablets were prepared by direct compression using crospovidone as superdisintegrant. The tablets were evaluated for weight variation, mechanical strength, in vitro disintegration time, wetting time, water absorption ratio, and in vitro release characteristics. The complex showed effective taste masking as compared to plain drug. Hardness and friability data indicated good mechanical strength of tablets. The tablets dispersed rapidly in 35 to 71 s with faster release rate of rizatriptan benzoate. The stability studies for 3 months showed no significant changes in quality of tablets. Hence the present studies indicated the abilities of HPβCD for taste masking and improving the dissolution profile of rizatriptan benzoate after complexation. © 2016, The Korean Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology.