Evaluation of in vitro dissolution profile comparison methods of sustained release tramadol hydrochloride liquisolid compact formulations with marketed sustained release tablets

The aim of the present work was to prepare and evaluate sustained release liquisolid compact formulations of tramadol hydrochloride. The dissolution profile of the prepared compacts was also compared to that of a marketed preparation. Liquisolid sustained release formulations were prepared by using HPMC K4M as a sustained release agent. Precompression studies of characteristics such as flow properties were also carried out. Liquisolid compacts were evaluated by hardness, friability, and in vitro dissolution studies. Comparison of dissolution profiles was carried out by using a model-independent, model-dependent, and statistical approach. The prepared liquisolid compacts are new dosage forms with better sustained release behavior compared to a marketed sustained formulation. The dissolution profile followed the Peppas model as "best fit" model. Two-way ANOVA results revealed a significant difference in dissolution profiles. This systematic approach to producing a formulation was found to help with analyzing the sustained release of tramadol hydrochloride. The use and evaluation of model-dependent methods is more complicated. These methods provide an acceptable model approach that indicates the true relationship between percent drug release and time variables, including statistical assumptions.