Formulation design of ranitidine hydrochloride to reduce its moisture absorption characteristics.

This investigation examined the effect of a ranitidine hydrocholoride (RHCl)-ion exchange resin complexation on the drug's moisture uptake behavior. Drug resin complexes (DRCs) were prepared using the batch method with (i) two weak cation exchange resins, Polacrilex with exchangeable H+ and Polacrillin potassium; and (ii) a strong cation exchange resin;Sodium polystyrene sulfonate. RHCl, simple resins, and DRCs were subjected to storage stability under 40 +/- 2 degrees C and 75 +/- 5% relative humidity (RH) for 16 h, and the resulting percent increase in weight was calculated. DRCs gained less moisture than the simple drug and free resins. Out of the three complexes tested, DRC containing Polacrilex resin showed the most promising effect in protecting RHCl against moisture uptake with an increase in weight of 10.22 +/- 17% (free RHCl gained 28.11%) and was thereby selected for tablet formulation. Tablets were prepared using simple RHCl with Starch 1500 (F1); low moisture-grade Starch 1500 LM (F2); RHCl as DRC with Starch 1500 (F3); and, Starch 1500 LM (F4). Tablets were tested for equilibrium moisture content (EMC) under different humidity conditions and hygroscopicity in the presence and absence of light. In addition, stability studies were run over the duration of 6 months in conditions under 40 +/- 2 degrees C and 75 +/- 5% RH. The EMC of tablets at 80% RH decreased in the following order: F1 > F2 > marketed coated tablet > F3 > F4. The results of hygroscopicity testing revealed that both rate and extent of moisture gain in the presence or absence of light by F3 and F4 were significantly less than F1, F2, and marketed coated tablet (P < 0.05). Stability studies showed insignificant changes in weight, breaking force, friability, and disintegration time for tablets containing resin, while significant changes in these properties were found in tablets without resin. Thus, Polacrilex resin with exchangeable H+ was found to be the best for protecting RHCl against moisture uptake.