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Development of Rapid-Melt Tablets of Almotriptan via Solid Dispersion Technology: Enhancing Therapeutic Performance and Patient Acceptability


Authors : Prashant Wake; Dr. Rajesh Mujariya

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/y2yr7aa3

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2t83sjr5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr624

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Almotriptan, a potent 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist used in migraine therapy, faces clinical challenges due to its inherently bitter taste, which can hinder patient compliance during acute attacks. This study aimed to develop taste-masked, rapid-melt tablets (RMTs) of Almotriptan with enhanced dissolution profiles using a combined solid dispersion (SD) strategy. Ternary solid dispersions were prepared using various polymeric carriers, including Soluplus and Eudragit EPO, via solvent evaporation. The formulations were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess drug-polymer interactions and crystallinity. The optimized SDs were then compressed into RMTs and evaluated for disintegration time, wetting time, and in vitro drug release. Taste masking was assessed through dissolution in simulated salivary fluid. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the transformation of Almotriptan from a crystalline to an amorphous state within the polymer matrix, significantly increasing the saturation solubility compared to the pure drug. The optimized RMT formulation exhibited a rapid disintegration time of less than 30 seconds. Furthermore, the solid dispersion effectively sequestered the drug, significantly reducing the perceived bitterness. Stability studies conducted at 40°C/75% RH for six months indicated that the formulations remained stable with no significant changes in drug content or release kinetics.

Keywords : Almotriptan Malate, Solid Dispersion, Rapid-Melt Tablets, Orally Disintegrating Tablets - ODTs, Taste masking, Ternary Systems, Soluplus / Eudragit EPO.

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Almotriptan, a potent 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist used in migraine therapy, faces clinical challenges due to its inherently bitter taste, which can hinder patient compliance during acute attacks. This study aimed to develop taste-masked, rapid-melt tablets (RMTs) of Almotriptan with enhanced dissolution profiles using a combined solid dispersion (SD) strategy. Ternary solid dispersions were prepared using various polymeric carriers, including Soluplus and Eudragit EPO, via solvent evaporation. The formulations were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess drug-polymer interactions and crystallinity. The optimized SDs were then compressed into RMTs and evaluated for disintegration time, wetting time, and in vitro drug release. Taste masking was assessed through dissolution in simulated salivary fluid. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the transformation of Almotriptan from a crystalline to an amorphous state within the polymer matrix, significantly increasing the saturation solubility compared to the pure drug. The optimized RMT formulation exhibited a rapid disintegration time of less than 30 seconds. Furthermore, the solid dispersion effectively sequestered the drug, significantly reducing the perceived bitterness. Stability studies conducted at 40°C/75% RH for six months indicated that the formulations remained stable with no significant changes in drug content or release kinetics.

Keywords : Almotriptan Malate, Solid Dispersion, Rapid-Melt Tablets, Orally Disintegrating Tablets - ODTs, Taste masking, Ternary Systems, Soluplus / Eudragit EPO.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - April - 2026

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