FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF VALACYCLOVIR SUSTAINED RELEASE MATRIX TABLETS

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate sustained-release matrix tablets of Valacyclovir using different polymers. Eight formulations (F1–F8) were prepared and evaluated. Pre-compression studies of the powder blends, including angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, and Hausner’s ratio, indicated satisfactory flow and compressibility characteristics. The compressed tablets were evaluated for post-compression parameters such as weight variation, hardness, thickness, friability, drug content, and in vitro dissolution. Dissolution studies revealed that formulation F4 achieved complete drug release over a period of 24 hours, demonstrating effective sustained-release behavior. Drug-release kinetics were analyzed using various mathematical models, and the release mechanism of the optimized formulation was found to follow the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model. The results indicate that sustained-release matrix tablets of Valacyclovir can be successfully formulated using appropriate polymer combinations.