FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE EXTENDED RELEASE CAPSULES

A study was conducted to formulate and evaluate extended-release (ER) venlafaxine hydrochloride capsules. To determine whether the drug and formulated blend were suitable for compression, we assessed their precompression parameters. Insufficient compression properties of the blends forced wet granulation without aqueous solutions. In order to assess the flow properties of ER granules, several parameters were assessed, including bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner's ratio, and angle of repose. Comparing the ER granules with the blends, the granules demonstrated improved flow characteristics. The optimized formulation, V2, which contained HPMC k100M, HPMC k4M, and carbomers, was dissolving in vitro to determine its drug release profile. Over a 16-hour period, Formulation V2 exhibited optimal drug release. An r2 value of 0.9397 indicated zero-order kinetics for the drug release, as determined by kinetic parameters. Therefore, the concentration has no effect on the drug's release. In addition to this, stability studies were performed on aluminum-strip-packed extendedrelease capsules containing venlafaxine hydrochloride. If stored in a cool and dry environment, the capsules remained stable for six and 24 months, respectively. These results demonstrate the success of developing extended-release venlafaxine hydrochloride capsules. In the formulation V2, the drug released over a desirable duration, potentially improving patient compliance and reducing dosing frequency. Based on the stability studies, the formulated capsules are suitable for long-term storage due to their sustained stability. The findings provide insights into the formulation, evaluation, and potential therapeutic use of extended-release venlafaxine hydrochloride capsules for various psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder