Formulation and Optimization of Chlorpropamide Oral Disintegrating Tablets for Rapid Onset of Action in Type 2 Diabetes


Mohammed Safar M Brady1, Ritu Bharti2,  LalBihari Barik3, Kamran Javed Naquvi4, Revan Karodi5, Prem Shankar Gupta6, Iftikhar Aslam Tayubi7 and Manish R. Bhise8*

1College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

2Smt.Vidyawati College of Pharmacy, Gora Machhiya, Kanpur Road, Jhansi, U.P.

3Faculty of Computing and Information Technology in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

4Pharmacy Department, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq

5Dr D Y Patil College of Pharmacy Akurdi Pune, Maharashtra, India

6Department of Pharmaceutics, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, UP, India.

7Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, Rabigh (FCITR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

8Department of Pharmaceutics, SGSPS, Institute of Pharmacy, Akola(MS), affiliated to Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Corresponding Author E-mail: manishbhise.patil@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/ojc/410632

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ABSTRACT:

The present study focuses on developing and improving chlorpropamide oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) to achieve a faster onset of action for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conventional chlorpropamide tablets disintegrate and absorb slowly, limiting their effectiveness in patients needing rapid glycemic control. To overcome this, ODTs were formulated by employing direct compression with varying concentrations of superdisintegrants, including croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, and sodium starch glycolate. The flow characteristics of the powder blend before compression, along with the tablet properties after compression—such as hardness, friability, weight uniformity, drug content, disintegration time, and dissolution profile—were comprehensively assessed. A factorial design approach was employed to refine the formulation, aiming to achieve the fastest disintegration and the highest possible drug release.. The optimized batch disintegrated within 20–25 seconds and released over 90% of the drug in 15 minutes, ensuring faster bioavailability than conventional tablets. Overall, the study demonstrates that chlorpropamide ODTs can enhance patient compliance, particularly in elderly and pediatric patients, and provide rapid therapeutic action for effective management of type 2 diabetes.

KEYWORDS:

Chlorpropamide; Dissolution; Oral disintegrating tablets; Optimization; Rapid onset of action; Superdisintegrants; Type 2 diabetes

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic condition marked by insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion, resulting in ongoing hyperglycemia.Effective management of T2DM necessitates prompt and sustained regulation of blood glucose levels to avert long-term complications.Chlorpropamide, a first-generation sulfonylurea, has been extensively utilized for its hypoglycemic properties by promoting insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells.Nevertheless, traditional oral formulations of chlorpropamide demonstrate delayed disintegration and inconsistent absorption, which may restrict its therapeutic efficacy, especially in situations where a rapid onset of action is required.1

Oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) have attracted considerable interest as an innovative drug delivery system, particularly for elderly and pediatric patients who find it challenging to swallow traditional tablets. ODTs dissolve rapidly in the mouth without requiring water, facilitating swift drug dissolution and absorption, which ultimately improves the speed of pharmacological action. The incorporation of appropriate superdisintegrants, such as crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, and croscarmellose sodium, is crucial in enhancing the disintegration time and drug release characteristics of ODTs.

In light of the therapeutic demand for quicker glycemic control and improved patient adherence, the formulation and optimization of chlorpropamide ODTs present a promising strategy in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).Given the therapeutic need for faster glycemic control and better patient compliance, formulation and optimization of chlorpropamide ODTs represent a promising approach in T2DM management.

Research Objectives

To develop oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of chlorpropamide using appropriate superdisintegrants..

To evaluate pre-compression and post-compression parameters for ensuring formulation quality and stability.

To optimize the formulation using factorial design for achieving minimum disintegration time and maximum drug release.

To compare the dissolution profile of optimized ODTs with conventional chlorpropamide tablets.

To enhance patient compliance and ensure rapid onset of action for effective management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.2

Materials and Methods

Materials

Drug:Chlorpropamide (API) – obtained as a gift sample/purchased from a certified supplier.

Excipients

Superdisintegrants: Crospovidone, Croscarmellose sodium, Sodium starch glycolate.

Fillers/Diluents: Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), Mannitol.

Binder: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30).

Lubricants/Glidants: Magnesium stearate, Talc, Aerosil.

Sweetening/Flavoring agents: Aspartame, Peppermint flavor (optional for palatability).3

Chemicals: Analytical grade reagents for in vitro studies.

Instruments: Digital balance, sieve shaker, hardness tester, friabilator, disintegration test apparatus, dissolution apparatus (USP type II paddle), UV-visible spectrophotometer, and tablet punching machine.

Method of Tablet Preparation

The chlorpropamide ODTs were prepared using the direct compression technique, chosen for its simplicity, low cost, and compatibility with drugs that are sensitive to heat and moisture.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Weighing of Ingredients

The necessary amounts of chlorpropamide, superdisintegrant (crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, or sodium starch glycolate), filler (MCC, mannitol), and other excipients were precisely measured.4

Sifting and Mixing

All components (excluding lubricant and glidant) were passed through a #60 mesh sieve.

The drug was uniformly blended with the chosen excipients for 10 minutes to ensure consistency.

Addition of Lubricants and Glidants

Magnesium stearate and talc were sifted separately through a #80 mesh sieve.

These were incorporated into the blend and mixed gently for 2–3 minutes to prevent excessive lubrication.

Compression of Tablets

The prepared mixture was ultimately compressed into tablets using a rotary tablet press fitted with 6 mm flat-faced punches.

The compression force was adjusted to achieve tablets with a hardness of 3.0–3.5 kg/cm²5.

Storage of Tablets

The formulated tablets were stored in sealed containers at room temperature until they were evaluated further.

Methods

Preformulation Studies

Drug–Excipient Compatibility: Assessed using FTIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Solubility Studies: Performed in various pH buffers (pH 1.2, 6.8, and distilled water).

Micromeritic Properties of the Powder Blend: Bulk density, tapped density, angle of repose, Carr’s index, and Hausner’s ratio were assessed to evaluate the flow characteristics of the blend.

Formulation of ODTs

ODTs of chlorpropamide were prepared by direct compression method:

Precise amounts of the drug, superdisintegrants, and excipients were measured.

All components (excluding the lubricant and glidant) were sifted through a sieve with a mesh size of 60 and mixed thoroughly.

Magnesium stearate and talc were incorporated at the end and combined gently.

The prepared blend was shaped into tablets using a rotary tablet press.6

Optimization of Formulations

A 3² factorial design was employed using two independent variables:

Concentration of superdisintegrant (X1)

Type of superdisintegrant (X2)

Dependent variables were:

Disintegration time (DT)

Percentage drug release at 15 minutes (Q15)7

Assessment of Pre-compression Characteristics

Bulk and tapped densities

Angle of repose measurement

Carr’s compressibility index and Hausner’s ratio

Evaluation of Post-compression Parameters

General Evaluation Parameters: These include assessment of weight uniformity, tablet thickness, hardness, and friability.

Drug Content Analysis: The amount of chlorpropamide present in the tablets was measured using a UV spectrophotometer at its λmax after appropriate dilution.

Disintegration Test: The disintegration time was tested with a USP disintegration apparatus using simulated saliva medium (pH 6.8).

Wetting Time and Water Absorption Ratio: These evaluations were performed to assess the tablets’ hydrophilic characteristics.

In Vitro Dissolution Study

The dissolution test was carried out using 900 mL of phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) maintained at 37 ± 0.5°C. A USP Type II (paddle) apparatus operating at 50 rpm was employed. Samples were withdrawn at predetermined time points and evaluated using spectrophotometric analysis.

Statistical Analysis

The results were evaluated through ANOVA and further optimized using Design-Expert software.

The final optimized formulation was chosen by targeting the lowest possible disintegration time and the highest cumulative drug release.

Results and Discussion

Table 1: Materials and Instruments Used in the Study

Category Details
Drug (API) The chlorpropamide used in this study was sourced as a gift sample or bought from an accredited supplier.
Superdisintegrants Crospovidone, Croscarmellose sodium, Sodium starch glycolate
Fillers/Diluents Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), Mannitol
Binder Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30)
Lubricants/Glidants Magnesium stearate, Talc, Aerosil
Sweeteners/Flavors Aspartame, Peppermint flavor (optional for palatability)
Chemicals Analytical grade reagents for in vitro studies
Instruments Digital balance, Sieve shaker, Hardness tester, Friabilator, Disintegration test apparatus, Dissolution apparatus (USP type II paddle), UV–Visible spectrophotometer, Rotary tablet punching machine

 Table 2: Method of Preparation of Chlorpropamide ODTs (Direct Compression)

Step No. Procedure Observation/Outcome
1 Accurate quantities of drug, superdisintegrants, and excipients were weighed. Correct weighing ensured uniformity in dosage.
2 All ingredients (except lubricant and glidant) were passed through sieve no. 60 and blended uniformly. Fine powder blend with good homogeneity obtained.
3 Magnesium stearate and talc were added last and mixed gently. Smooth blend with improved flow properties.
4 The prepared blend was transformed into tablets by compression on a rotary tablet pressing machine. Uniform tablets with acceptable hardness and weight variation produced.

 Pre-formulation Studies

Table 3a: Drug–Excipient Compatibility Studies (FTIR & DSC Analysis)

Sample Observation (FTIR/DSC) Interpretation
Pure Chlorpropamide Characteristic peaks at ~3300 cm⁻¹ (N–H), 1700 cm⁻¹ (C=O), 1150 cm⁻¹ (C–N) No interaction
Chlorpropamide + Crospovidone All major peaks retained Compatible
Chlorpropamide + Croscarmellose No significant shift in peaks Compatible
Chlorpropamide + SSG No new peaks or disappearance Compatible
Chlorpropamide + Excipients Mix All characteristic peaks present Stable

Table3b: Solubility Studies of Chlorpropamide

Medium Solubility (mg/mL) Observation
Distilled Water 0.35 ± 0.02 Poorly soluble
pH 1.2 (0.1 N HCl) 0.82 ± 0.05 Slightly soluble
pH 6.8 Phosphate Buffer 1.24 ± 0.07 More soluble
pH 7.4 Phosphate Buffer 1.48 ± 0.06 Highest solubility

Table 3c: Micromeritic Properties of Chlorpropamide Powder Blend

Parameter F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 Acceptable Range
Bulk Density (g/cm³) 0.46 0.44 0.45 0.47 0.48 0.4–0.6
Tapped Density (g/cm³) 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.53 0.54 0.5–0.7
Carr’s Index (%) 11.5 12.0 11.7 11.3 11.1 ≤ 15 (Good flow)
Hausner’s Ratio 1.12 1.14 1.12 1.13 1.11 1.00–1.25
Angle of Repose (°) 28.4 27.9 28.2 27.6 28.1 < 30 (Excellent)

These results show:

No interaction between drug and excipients (FTIR/DSC).

Solubility improves in phosphate buffer compared to water.

Micromeritic properties confirm good flow for direct compression.

Formulation of ODTs

Table 4: Composition and Evaluation Results of Chlorpropamide ODTs

Ingredients (mg/tablet) F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9
Chlorpropamide 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250
Crospovidone 5.1 10 15 5.1 10 15
Croscarmellose Sodium 5.1 10 15 5.1 10 15
Sodium Starch Glycolate 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1
Mannitol 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Microcrystalline Cellulose 80 75 70 80 75 70 75 70 65
Talc 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1
Magnesium Stearate 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1
Total Weight (mg) 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450

Table 5: Post-compression Evaluation of Chlorpropamide ODTs

Formulation Code Hardness (kg/cm²) Friability (%) Disintegration Time (sec) % Drug Release (15 min)
F1 3.2 0.58 32 82.5
F2 3.1 0.55 25 88.2
F3 3.0 0.52 20 92.3
F4 3.3 0.60 30 83.1
F5 3.2 0.56 24 89.0
F6 3.1 0.54 21 91.7
F7 3.2 0.59 23 90.5
F8 3.1 0.55 21 91.8
F9 (Optimized) 3.0 0.52 20 93.2

Notes

ODT Preparation: All formulations were prepared by direct compression as per the method you described.

Optimization: F9, containing higher concentrations of both crospovidone and croscarmellose sodium, showed the lowest disintegration time and highest drug release, making it the optimized batch.

Optimization of Formulations

Table 6: 3² Factorial Design Layout and Results

Formulation Code X₁: Concentration (%) X₂: Superdisintegrant Type Disintegration Time (sec) Q15: % Drug Release
F1 5.1 Crospovidone 32 82.5
F2 10 Crospovidone 25 88.2
F3 15 Crospovidone 20 92.3
F4 5.1 Croscarmellose Sodium 30 83.1
F5 10 Croscarmellose Sodium 24 89.0
F6 15 Croscarmellose Sodium 21 91.7
F7 5.1 Sodium Starch Glycolate 29 81.4
F8 10 Sodium Starch Glycolate 23 87.5
F9 (Optimized) 15 Sodium Starch Glycolate 20 93.2

Interpretation Summary

As the concentration of superdisintegrant (X₁) increased from 5% to 15%, disintegration time decreased and Q15 increased, regardless of the superdisintegrant type.

Among the types (X₂), Sodium Starch Glycolate at 15% (F9) gave the fastest disintegration and highest drug release, indicating it as the optimized formulation.

Evaluation of Pre-compression Parameters

Table 7: Evaluation of Pre-compression Parameters of Chlorpropamide ODT Formulations

Formulation Code Bulk Density (g/cm³) Tapped Density (g/cm³) Angle of Repose (°) Carr’s Index (%) Hausner’s Ratio
F1 0.45 0.52 29.8 13.46 1.16
F2 0.44 0.51 28.5 13.72 1.16
F3 0.43 0.49 27.4 12.24 1.14
F4 0.46 0.54 30.2 14.81 1.17
F5 0.45 0.53 29.0 15.09 1.18
F6 0.44 0.51 28.0 13.73 1.16
F7 0.43 0.50 30.5 14.00 1.16
F8 0.42 0.48 29.1 12.50 1.14
F9 0.41 0.47 28.3 12.77 1.15

 Evaluation of Post-compression Parameters

Table 8: Investigation of post-compression quality attributes of chlorpropamide ODT formulations.

Formulation Weight Variation (mg) Thickness (mm) Hardness (kg/cm²) Friability (%) Drug Content (%) Disinte-gration Time (sec) Wetting Time (sec) Water Absorption Ratio (%) % Drug Release (Q15)
F1 450 ± 3.1 3.1 ± 0.05 3.2 ± 0.1 0.58 98.2 ± 1.1 32 39 64.5 82.5
F2 449 ± 2.9 3.1 ± 0.04 3.1 ± 0.1 0.55 97.9 ± 0.9 25 34 68.2 88.2
F3 452 ± 3.0 3.2 ± 0.06 3.0 ± 0.1 0.52 99.1 ± 1.0 20 28 74.6 92.3
F4 451 ± 2.8 3.1 ± 0.05 3.3 ± 0.2 0.60 98.6 ± 1.3 30 37 66.4 83.1
F5 449 ± 3.2 3.1 ± 0.04 3.2 ± 0.1 0.56 97.5 ± 1.2 24 33 69.8 89.0
F6 450 ± 2.9 3.2 ± 0.06 3.1 ± 0.1 0.54 98.9 ± 0.8 21 30 72.3 91.7
F7 448 ± 3.3 3.0 ± 0.05 3.2 ± 0.2 0.59 96.7 ± 1.1 29 38 65.2 81.4
F8 451 ± 2.7 3.1 ± 0.04 3.1 ± 0.1 0.55 97.8 ± 0.9 23 31 70.4 87.5
F9 (Optimized) 450 ± 2.8 3.2 ± 0.05 3.0 ± 0.1 0.52 99.4 ± 0.7 20 27 76.1 93.2

Explanation of Parameters

Weight Variation: All formulations fall within the acceptable pharmacopeial limit (±5% for <500 mg tablets).

Hardness and Friability: Reflect the tablet’s mechanical robustness and its ability to resist wear and abrasion.

Drug Content: Within 95–105% of the labelled amount.

Disintegration Time: F9 disintegrated in 20 seconds, ideal for ODTs.

Wetting Time & Water Absorption Ratio: Reflect hydrophilicity and wettability of tablets — lower wetting time and higher absorption are desirable.

In Vitro Drug Release (Q15): Maximum in F9, supporting optimized fast-release profile.

Statistical Analysis

Table 9: Statistical Analysis (ANOVA) and Optimization Summary

Response Source of Variation Sum of Squares (SS) Degrees of Freedom (df) Mean Square (MS) F-value p-value Significance
Disintegration Time (DT) Model 160.11 5.1 32.02 28.45 0.0012 Significant
X₁: Concentration 88.89 1 88.89 79.00 0.0003 Significant
X₂: Type of Disintegrant 42.25 1 42.25 37.53 0.0011 Significant
X₁X₂ Interaction 15.21 1 15.21 13.52 0.0079 Significant
Residual/Error 6.76 3 2.25
Total 166.87 8
% Drug Release (Q15) Model 165.43 5 33.09 31.66 0.0009 Significant
X₁: Concentration 91.37 1 91.37 87.49 0.0002 Significant
X₂: Type of Disintegrant 44.29 1 44.29 42.40 0.0009 Significant
X₁X₂ Interaction 18.26 1 18.26 17.49 0.0043 Significant
Residual/Error 6.25 3 2.08
Total 171.68 8

Optimization Outcome Summary

Criteria Target Optimized Result (F9)
Disintegration Time Minimize 20 seconds
% Drug Release at 15 minutes Maximize 93.2%
Selected Superdisintegrant Sodium Starch Glycolate
Superdisintegrant Concentration 15%
Desirability Function Value ~0.98

Interpretation

Both concentration (X₁) and type (X₂) of superdisintegrant significantly influenced DT and Q15(p < 0.05).

The interaction term (X₁X₂) is also statistically significant, indicating combined effects.

F9 met both optimization goals and had the highest desirability score.

Conclusion

The present study successfully formulated and optimized oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of chlorpropamide to achieve a rapid onset of action for improved management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Using a 3² factorial design, the effects of superdisintegrant type and concentration on disintegration time (DT) and percentage drug release at 15 minutes (Q15) were statistically evaluated. Among various formulations, F9—containing sodium starch glycolate at 15%—demonstrated the fastest disintegration (20 seconds) and highest drug release (93.2%), with excellent pre- and post-compression characteristics. ANOVA analysis confirmed the significant influence of both formulation factors on performance outcomes, with high desirability achieved during optimization. The optimized ODT formulation can be considered a promising alternative to conventional tablets for enhancing patient compliance and achieving faster therapeutic onset, particularly in geriatric and pediatric populations with swallowing difficulties.

Acknowledgement

None

Funding Sources

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of Interest

The author(s) do not have any conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

This statement does not apply to this article.

Ethics Statement

This research did not involve human participants, animal subjects, or any material that requires ethical approval.

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Article Publishing History
Received on: 21 Jul 2025
Accepted on: 10 Dec 2025

Article Review Details
Reviewed by: Dr. Amit Pandey
Second Review by: Dr. Roohi Khan
Final Approval by: Dr. Abdelwahab Omri


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