The main objective of the present investigation was undertaken to formulate taste masked fast dissolving tablets of an intensely bitter tasting hypnotic drug Zolpidem Tartrate (ZMT) using a simple, rapid, cost effective and highly efficient Inclusion Complex process for improved patient compliance. The bitterless complex was prepared by complexing drug with HP-Beta Cyclodextrin. Taste masked complex was further evaluated with FTIR, DSC and XRD. The Zolpidem Tartrate complex was further formulated into Fast dissolving tablet by direct compression technique using Croscarmellose Sodium (Ac-Di-Sol), Sodium Starch Glycolate (Explotab) and Crospovidone (Polyplasdone XL-10) in different concentrations (3 - 5%) as superdisintegrants and Aspartame as sweetening agent. Tablets were tested for Hardness, Thickness, Weight Variation, Drug Content, water absorption ratio, Invitro Dispersion Test in Simulated Salivary Fluid pH 6.8 and Invitro dissolution test in Phosphate Buffer pH 6.8. Among batches of F3, F6 & F9 containing microcrystalline cellulose and 3 - 5% wt/wt of Croscarmellose Sodium (Ac-Di-Sol), Sodium Starch Glycolate (Explotab) and Crospovidone (Polyplasdone XL-10), F6 containing Crospovidone at 5% wt/wt showed faster disintegration with in 14sec and drug release (t90, 12min) in Phosphate Buffer pH 6.8. The inclusion complex interaction and reduced crystallinity may be reason for increased dissolution rate. Thus results conclusively demonstrate successful masking of taste, disintegration and dissolution of the formulated tablets.
