Innovative Formulation of Dual Drug Release Tablets: Itraconazole and Omeprazole via FDM 3D Printer

This study used the potential of fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing to formulate a bi-compartmental tablet of Itraconazole and Omeprazole. The aim of this study was to incorporate both drugs into spatial and temporal compartments within a single dosage unit to reduce pharmacokinetic interactions. The shell of the tablet was created using itraconazole-loaded filaments of PVA and sorbitol made by hot-melt extrusion. Due to its heat sensitivity, omeprazole was manually placed into the protected compartment. Drug compatibility and thermal stability were assessed using FT-IR and DSC, while standard physicochemical tests, including weight variation, hardness, thickness, friability, and drug content, were evaluated. In vitro dissolution study was performed using a two-step pH shift method to mimic gastrointestinal conditions. The result demonstrated the potential of the FDM 3D printer to develop a customized dual drug delivery system for improved patient outcomes.