Characterisation of quaternary polymethacrylate films containing tartaric acid, metoprolol free base or metoprolol tartrate

The aim of this study was to better understand the interactions between metoprolol tartrate and quaternary polymethacrylate (Eudragit RL and Eudragit RS) films. For reasons of comparison, polymeric films containing the free base metoprolol or free tartaric acid were also prepared. Systems containing various amounts of the free base, free acid and the salt were characterised using polarising light microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and mechanical analysis (puncture test). The free base is the most efficient plasticiser of the three species for Eudragit RL and Eudragit RS, but with limited solubility in the polymers. Due to its hydrophobicity, it can interact with the hydrophobic polymer backbones. In contrast, in salt containing films, ionic interactions between the positively charged quaternary ammonium groups and the negatively charged tartrate anions apparently occur, this being suggested by the different effects on Eudragit RL versus RS, which have different contents of quaternary ammonium groups. Importantly, the combination of acid and base as a salt avoids drug precipitation at higher metoprolol contents. The obtained new insight into the occurring drug–polymer interactions can help to facilitate the development/optimisation of this type of dosage forms.