World Journal of Science and Engineering (WJSE) 3(3) 2016, 39-45 *Corresponding Author: Md. Harun-Or-Rashid, Associate Professor Department of Pharmacy, World University of Bangladesh Mobile: +88-01745924735, e-mail: rashid4@pharmacy.wub.edu.bd FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ASPIRIN SUSTAINED RELEASE TABLETS USING HYDROPHILIC POLYMERS SAMIRA KARIM 1 , FARJANA HOSSAIN 1 , JALAL UDDIN 1 , MOHIUDDIN AHMED BHUIYAN 2 AND MD. HARUN-OR-RASHID 1 * 1 Department of Pharmacy, World University of Bangladesh, 3A/4, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh 2 Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh Received: October 03, 2015; Accepted: December 22, 2015 Published: January, 2016 Abstract The study aims at the design of a sustained release dosage form for potential use of aspirin which is currently used as the cardiotonic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti- inflammatory agent to investigate the effect of polymers on the release pattern from tablets. Ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose-K15 MCR polymers had been used in the formulation of sustained release tablets which were prepared by direct compression method. Drug release study was evaluated for 8 hrs in 50 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6.8 at 50 rpm. Standard physicochemical tests were performed for all the formulations. Formulation F-3 and F-6 showed remarkable hardness 13.85±0.029 and 19.78±0.040 Kg/cm 2 , respectively. The other parameters such as friability (0.114- 0.214%), diameter (13.02-13.24 mm) and thickness (2.07-2.26 mm) were found to be remarkably reliable. The weight variations (349-352 mg) were reliable and somewhat standardized at approximately 350 mg. The potency of all the formulations was found about 100±0.50%. All the tested parameters were acceptable and complimentary with in- house specifications. Release profile indicates that at the end of 8 hrs, formulation F-1 tablets released 98.7% while formulation F-3 and F-6 released 89.64% and 83.21%, respectively showing a more sustained action with the increase of polymer concentration. Keywords: Aspirin, sustained release, ethyl cellulose, HPMC, in vitro dissolution Introduction Among various routes of drug administration, the oral route is the most widely used for the systemic delivery of drugs via pharmaceutical dosage forms including the conventional and advanced drug delivery systems 1 . There are many reasons for the selection of oral route. The most widely used oral route of drug administration is natural, uncomplicated, convenient and safe due to its ease of administration, patient acceptance and cost effective manufacturing process 2 . Aspirin which is well known as acetyl salicylic acid, is one of the oldest drugs known at present. The main adverse effects associated with aspirin are the gastro intestinal disturbances and ulcers when administered orally. To reduce the adverse effects, aspirin tablets can be formulated as sustained release which could provide a more constant plasma concentration with less frequent administration. The sustained release oral dosage forms have been