Formulation and Evaluation of Controlled Release Matrix Tablets of Finasteride

The study aimed to develop controlled release matrix tablets of Finasteride using Eudragit and HPMC as release retardant polymers, examining factors like polymer proportion, viscosity, compression force, and release media on drug release. Using dry granulation and in vitro testing, it was found that drug release followed Higuchi’s kinetics and was significantly influenced by the drug/Eudragit ratio and polymer viscosity. The release mechanism was anomalous non-Fickian diffusion. Among the formulations, F9, containing Eudragit, was the most successful, showing stable and reproducible results with a decreased release rate upon increasing the polymer ratio. The study suggested these formulations could be further evaluated through in vivo bioavailability studies.