Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Matrix Tablet of Quinapril by Using Natural Polymers

Abstract

In present investigation an attempt has been made to design and develop some Quinapril matrix tablets using KarayaGum, Guar gum, KollidonSRas release retarding polymers. Quinapril is Anti-hypertensive drug which lowers blood pressure level and has been selected to prepare sustained release dosage forms. Quinapril sustained release matrix tablets were prepared using KarayaGum, Guar gum, KollidonSR as base polymer by wet granulation method. FTIR spectral analysis showed that characteristic peak of Quinapril pure drug was retained in the spectra of all the formulations indicating the intactness of the drug in all the formulations. Quinapril matrix tablets formulated employing Kollidon SR and combination of Karaya Gum and Guar gum provided slow and controlled release of Quinapril up to 24 hr. All the tablet formulation showed compliance with pharmacopoeia standard as the time increases. The dissolution result shows that an increased amount of polymer resulted in reduced drug release. A concentration dependent drug release is evident in case of the polymer i.e., lower concentration of polymers, release is marginally retarded at higher concentration is considerable. Prepared sustained formulation containing KarayaGum, Guar gum, KollidonSR as release retarding polymers (F6) probably showing better release based up to 98% drug release within 24 hours. The development of sustained release (SR) oral dosage forms is a pivotal strategy in modern pharmaceutical technology, aiming to enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce dosing frequency, and improve patient compliance, especially for chronic conditions such as hypertension. Quinapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is widely prescribed for hypertension and heart failure but suffers from a short biological half-life and low oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism. This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of sustained release matrix tablets of quinapril using natural polymers as matrix formers. Natural polymers such as guar gum, xanthan gum, and sodium alginate were selected for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers. The matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression method, optimizing the polymer concentration to achieve desired drug release kinetics. Pre-compression parameters (angle of repose, bulk density, compressibility index) and post-compression parameters (weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, and in vitro dissolution) were systematically evaluated. The in vitro drug release studies were conducted in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids to mimic physiological conditions. The results demonstrated that the type and concentration of natural polymer significantly influenced the drug release profile, with optimized formulations achieving sustained release of quinapril over 12–24 hours, following non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion kinetics. The optimized matrix tablets exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties and stability. This research underscores the potential of natural polymers in developing effective sustained release formulations of quinapril, which can enhance therapeutic outcomes and patient adherence in hypertension management.

Introduction

The study focuses on developing a sustained drug delivery system using natural polymers to control the release of Quinapril, an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension and related conditions. Sustained release systems aim to maintain therapeutic drug levels over an extended period, reducing dosing frequency and improving patient compliance. Natural biodegradable polymers such as guar gum, xanthan gum, and sodium alginate were used as matrix formers due to their safety, biocompatibility, and ability to regulate drug release.

Matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression with varying concentrations of natural polymers, and evaluated through pre- and post-compression tests to ensure good flow, uniformity, and mechanical strength. In vitro dissolution studies showed that formulations with higher polymer content released Quinapril more slowly, achieving sustained release up to 24 hours. The release followed a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism, indicating a combination of drug diffusion and polymer erosion.

FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed drug-polymer compatibility, while stability studies demonstrated that optimized formulations retained their properties after 3 months under accelerated conditions. The use of natural polymers in Quinapril matrix tablets effectively modulates drug release, offering a promising approach for improved hypertension therapy through sustained drug delivery.

Conclusion

In the present work sustained release matrix tablet of Quinapril were prepared by using natural polymer namely Karaya gum, Guar gum, Kollidon SR, Magnesium stearate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Talc was used. In the presentstudy,theformulation and production technology of Quinapril sustained release matrixtablet have beendeveloped withgood physicalcharacteristics, predictable andreproducibledrugreleaseprofiles.QuinaprilisanACEinhibitorprodrugusedto treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, and slow rateofprogressionofrenaldisease. ThisstudydemonstratedthatNaturalpolymerprovidesareliable sustainedrelease matrix formulation BCS I class drugs such as Quinaprilwhich is an antihypertensive agent. Based onthe above evaluation studies, it could be concluded that naturalpolymers could be used as a suitable matrix forming agent by wet granulation method for sustained release of Quinapril over 24 hr byproviding reduced side effects.27,28,29,30

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Apoorv Nitin Gholap, Dr. Pranav Parekh, Dr. Mrunal Shirsat, Vaibhav Narwade, Gokul Mali. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.