Review on Bilayered tablet of Ibuprofen and Methocarbamol using Natural Polymer

Abstract

Bilayer tablet technology has emerged as a promising platform in pharmaceutical development, particularly for combining drugs with complementary therapeutic actions and differing release profiles. This review focuses on the formulation strategies, evaluation parameters, and potential of bilayered tablets, specifically emphasizing the combination of Ibuprofen and Methocarbamol for the management of musculoskeletal conditions. The rationale behind this pairing lies in the need for immediate analgesic relief through Ibuprofen and prolonged muscle relaxation via Methocarbamol—ideally delivered through a single oral dosage form to enhance patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy. Natural polymers, such as Sodium Hyaluronate, are gaining attention for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustained-release capabilities, making them attractive alternatives to synthetic polymers in controlled drug delivery systems. This review explores the role of such natural polymers in modifying drug release profiles, improving formulation stability, and supporting eco-friendly pharmaceutical development. Key formulation aspects including drug-excipient compatibility, layer separation, compression characteristics, and dissolution behavior are discussed in the context of bilayer tablet development. Challenges such as achieving robust physical integrity between layers and preventing interlayer interaction are highlighted alongside solutions adopted in current research and industry practices. Furthermore, the review outlines the comparative advantages of bilayered dosage forms over conventional monolayer tablets, the importance of in-vitro and in-vivo correlation, and the regulatory considerations surrounding their development. Future perspectives include scaling up bilayer formulations, integrating novel drug delivery technologies (e.g., nanoparticles, micelles), and expanding this approach to other therapeutic areas. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the technological advancements, formulation strategies, and clinical relevance of bilayer tablets, encouraging further exploration and application of this versatile drug delivery system in modern therapeutics..