International Journal of PharmTech Research CODEN (USA): IJPRIF ISSN : 0974-4304 Vol.4, No.3, pp 1154-1158, July-Sept 2012 Preparation and evaluation of orally disintegrating tablets of Telmisartan with pH independent release Sujitha M 1 , GeethaThanga Mariappan 2 , Mahalaxmi Rathnanand* 1 1 Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India 2 Formulation Developent Centre, Syngne international limited (A biocon company), Bangalore, Karnataka, India. *Corres. Author: mlrcops2002@yahoo.co.in Abstract: The objective of the study is to optimize, formulate and evaluate orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) of Telmisartan which disintegrates with in few seconds there by having better patient compliance, and achieve drug release independent of pH. Telmisartan(Angiotensin Receptor Blocker, ARB) is an anti hypertensive agent indicated in patients who cannot tolerate Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and for patients with LV (left ventricular) dysfunction. The ODTs were prepared using Betacyclodextrin and evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, disintegration and in vitro dissolution studies. Stability studies of optimized formulation was carried out as per ICH guidelines at 40 ± 2 0 C / 75 ±5% RH for three months and was found stable. Key words: Orally disintegrating tablets, Anti hypertensive agent, betacyclodextrin. Introduction: Among all the routes of administration, the oral route of administration is the most preffered route due because of advantages including ease of ingestion, avoidance of pain, versatility and patient compliance. But the common drawback of tablets and capsules dosage forms for pediatric and geriatric patients is difficulty in swallowing. Nearly 35% of the general population, especially the elderly patients and children suffer from dysphasia which results in high occurrence of noncompliance and ineffective treatment 1 . To overcome the above problems ODTs were developed. Telmisartan is an orally active and specific angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonist.Telmisartan interferes with the binding of angiotensin II to the angiotensin II AT 1 -receptor by binding reversibly and selectively to the receptors in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. As angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor, which also stimulates the synthesis and release of aldosterone, blockage of its effects results in decreases in systemic vascular resistance 2 3 ARBs do not block the breakdown of bradykinin, thisaccounts for the lack of cough as a side effect. In patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy, ARB therapy has been shown to significantly reduce progression of nephropathy. For patients with LV (left ventricular) dysfunction, ARB therapy has also been shown to reduce the risk of CV (cardio