Formulation and evaluation of sucralfate suspension

ABSTRACT

Eight sucralfate suspension formulas were laid down and prepared using various suspending agents as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M, methyl cellulose, carbopol 934, avicel RC 591, sorbitol, in addition to preservatives, flavoring and sweetening agents. The in vitro pharmaceutical studies in terms of sedimentation volume, scum formation were carried out. The physically stable formulations were subjected to rheological investigation as well as in vivo studies on rats to illustrate its protective effect on ethanol induced gastric ulceration. Results of in vitro studies showed that products of formula 6 containing avicel RC 591, sorbitol, glycerin and formula 8 composed of avicel RC 591, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, as dispersant system exhibited the optimum characteristics of antacid suspensions. They showed reasonable rapidly redispersible sediments and homogeneous dense adherent scums. Also, rheological studies of these two products showed pseudoplastic thixotropic flow patterns which were kept stable on storage for 6 months. The in vivo studies on rats using suspensions of formulas 6 and 8 in comparison to plain sucralfate suspension [formula 1] showed that there is a significant protective effect which was more apparent through suspension of formula 6. This suspension could be successfully used in the prophylaxis of ulceration induced by ethanol as shown from its low ulcer index and high preventive index