Thermal and Isothermal Methods in Development of Sustained Release Dosage Forms of Ketorolac Tromethamine

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a rapid and convenient and conclusive method of screening drug-polymer blend during preformulation studies as it allows polymer incompatibility to be established instantaneously. Various batches of matrix tablets of ketorolac tromethamine (KTM) with a series of compatible polymers were prepared. Batches of tablets which gave desired sustained release profile were subjected to stability testing according to ICH guidelines. The analysis for drug content was done using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The results revealed that there was no statistically significant change in drug content after storage of matrix tablets at elevated temperature of 40°C and 75% relative humidity. From our study we conclude that with careful selection of different polymers and their combinations, a stable sustained release oral dosage form of ketorolac tromethamine can be achieved