Formulation and Evaluation of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Fast-Disintegrating Tablets using Chitosan and Stevia Leaf Powder

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of Cetirizine dihydrochloride fast-disintegrating tablets using chitosan and natural sweetener Stevia leaf powder to enhance patient compliance in allergic conditions. Fast-disintegrating tablets dissolve in the mouth without the need for water, thereby improving bioavailability by facilitating pre-gastric absorption. Chitosan, a natural polymer derived from chitin, was used as a disintegrant due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and swelling properties, while Stevia provided taste masking. Five formulations (F1-F5) were prepared by direct compression using mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and other excipients. The formulations were evaluated for flow properties, thickness, hardness, friability, wetting time, water absorption ratio, disintegration time, drug content uniformity, in-vitro dissolution, and accelerated stability. The results demonstrated uniformity in tablet parameters, satisfactory mechanical strength, rapid disintegration, improved taste, and near-complete drug release within 6 minutes. Formulations F4 and F5 showed optimal stability over a 3-month period under accelerated conditions. The study confirms that chitosan and Stevia can be successfully used in fast-disintegrating tablets to enhance patient compliance and drug efficacy.