Formulation and evaluation of bilayer tablet by using melt granulation technique for treatment of diabetes mellitus

The objective of present study was to prepare and characterize Bilayer tablet formulation containing Metformin HCl in extended release matrix form and Pioglitazone HCl in immediate release form for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Different formulations containing Metformin HCl were manufactured using 3(2) factorial designs. Influence of hydrophilic carrier, hydrophobic polymer on drug release was studied. Immediate release layer of Pioglitazone was optimized using different super disintegrants. All formulations were evaluated for percentage drug release. Optimization results indicated that release rate of Metformin is directly proportional to the levels of Eudragit S 100 and PEG 6000. Results confirmed that Bilayer tablet formulation containing extended release of Metformin HCl and immediate release of Pioglitazone HCl could be developed by using melt granulation technique.