Matrix tablets of Ciprofloxacin were prepared using guar gum as the matrix forming polymer and incorporating Sporlac and Vivaflora probiotics in varying quantity to assist the targeted release of the drug in the colonic microflora. The angle of repose was found to be in the range of 26°32’ to 28°52’. The bulk density value ranged from 0.360 to 0.45 g/cm³ while the tapped density value ranged from 0.50 to 0.54 g/cm³. The granules prepared in the present work were found to have the Carr’s Index between 15.68 to 18.51 % and the Hausner’s ratio was found to be ranging from 1.186 to 1.227. The thickness of all the tablets was found to be 6 mm while the hardness ranged from 5.2-5.3 kg/cm². The friability and weight variation were found to be less than 0.3% and the drug content in each tablet was found to be 98 - 99%. The matrix tablets were also investigated for the in vitro drug release in absence and presence of rat caecal content and it was found that the release of drug from the tablets was affected by the presence of probiotics. The rat caecal content was able to increase the drug release from all the formulation. The drug release was highest from the formulation MT4 which exhibited 98.78% and 99.84 %cumulative release in absence and presence of rat caecal content respectively.

Ciprofloxacin, probiotic, colon, microflora, matrix tablet, release

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