Formulation And Evaluation of Isoniazid Medicated Candy for Pediatric Patient

The therapy for tuberculosis (TB) has a number of issues with compliance, specifically with children, who simply do not enjoy the present drugs. Although the main concern of this study was the formulation and an assessment of a child-friendly palatable medicated hard candy of Isoniazid, in order to enhance tolerability, compliance and adherence to TB therapy can significantly improve with a better drug formulation. Eight (F1-F8) formulations of Isoniazid hard candy medicated were formulated and optimized through a hard candy (heat and congealing method) with different polymer blends of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Methyl cellulose and Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC). Pre-formulation studies ensured the identity and purity of the medication establish a melting point of 170.3°C and maximum absorbance (λmax) of 263nm. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) established Isoniazid "in-use" compatibility with chosen excipients. The physical attributes of the candy were hard, red and within an acceptable level of tolerability and palatability. Hardness and friability testing showed adequate mechanical strength with acceptable hardness values of 15.6 to 18.3 kg/cm² and friability of 0.12% to 0.35%. Studies on In vitro release were conducted and the rate of release for most of the formulations were well fit by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with the high correlation coefficient (R²) values of nearly 0.9997. Release exponent (n) values were more than 1, pointing towards An enhanced case-II transport mechanism The present study revealed successful formulation of a stable medicated candy of Isoniazid with suitable properties such as the taste, appearance and delivery system.