Development and in Vitro Evaluation of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymer-Based Sustained Release Matrix Tablets of Fosfomycin for the Prolonged Management of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate sustained release matrix tablets of Fosfomycin to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in the management of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Formulations (MTF1–MTF5) were prepared using direct compression with different polymers, including HPMC K15M, ethyl cellulose (EC), and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), either alone or in varying concentrations. The drug–excipient compatibility was confirmed by FTIR analysis, indicating no significant interaction. Pre-compression studies demonstrated good flow properties, and post-compression parameters such as weight variation, hardness, friability, and drug content were within acceptable limits. In vitro drug release studies showed that polymer type and concentration significantly influenced the release rate. MTF3, containing the highest proportion of HPMC K15M, achieved 95.6% release over 12 hours and exhibited the best sustained release profile. Drug release kinetics followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas and Higuchi models, indicating a combination of diffusion and erosion mechanisms. The study concludes that sustained release Fosfomycin matrix tablets, particularly MTF3, can provide effective and prolonged therapeutic levels, making them a promising option for reducing recurrence and improving patient outcomes in UTIs.