Development of Controlled-Release Three-Layered Diclofenac Tablet

This book explores the development and evaluation of a controlled-release three-layered matrix tablet of diclofenac sodium, designed to achieve more consistent drug delivery than conventional dosage forms. The multilayer system combines a drug-containing core with two outer layers that differ in their swelling, gelling, and erosion properties, enabling modulation of the drug release rate and improving release kinetics. Diclofenac sodium, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), serves as the model drug to investigate the influence of polymer composition and layer configuration on release behavior. Various formulations were prepared and compared through in vitro dissolution studies, with release profiles analyzed using zero-order kinetics. Although perfectly linear zero-order release was not achieved, statistically significant differences among the formulations demonstrate the impact of polymer matrices and tablet design on controlled drug delivery. The book provides valuable insights for students, researchers, and pharmaceutical scientists interested in modified-release dosage forms and formulation development.