Compression Behavior of Acetylsalicylic Acid Pellets

An instrumented tablet press was used to study the compression behavior of different acetylsalicylic acid (AAS) formulations. Formulations of AAS crystals and uncoated AAS pellets have compression behavior similar to formulations of AAS pellets coated with acrylic resins (Eudragit RS) and mixed with a 20% of microcrystalline cellulose. Formulations of AAS coated pellets without any excipient exhibited a more plastic compression behavior then the other formulations. Matrix tablets of AAS were produced by compression of formulations of AAS coated pellets without any excipients.

The drug release profile of the pellets before and after compression was also studied. Microcrystalline cellulose concentrations higher than 15% w/w were required to obtain tablets of coated pellets with drug release profiles similar to the coated pellets before compression. It can be concluded from the present work that compression data of coated particles can be useful to study the possible damage of the film coat of the particles during tableting. Futhermore, instrumented tablet press data can be a good complement of in vitro drug release studies.     

Eudragit S100 coated microsponges for Colon targeting of prednisolone

Context: Microsponge is a novel approach for targeting the drug to the colon for the management of colon ailments such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Objective: Prednisolone loaded microsponges (PLMs) were prepared and coated with Eudragit S 100 (ES) and evaluated for colon-specific drug delivery.

Materials and methods: PLMs were prepared using quasi emulsion solvent diffusion technique using ethyl cellulose, triethylcitrate (1% v/v, plasticizer) and polyvinyl alcohol (Mol. Wt. 72?kDa, emulsifying agent). The developed microsponges were compressed into tablets via direct compression technique using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC) and magnesium stearate as super-disintegrant and lubricant, respectively. The tablets were then coated with ES to provide protection against harsh gastric environment and manifest colon-specific drug release.

Results: PLMs were found to be nano-porous spherical microstructures with size around 35?µm and 86% drug encapsulation efficiency. Finally, they were compressed into tablets which were coated with Eudragit S 100 In vitro drug release from ES coated tablets was carried out at various simulated gastrointestinal fluids i.e. 1?hr in SGF (pH 1.2), 2 to 3?h in SIF (pH 4.6), 4–5?h in SIF (pH 6.8), and 6–24?h in SCF (pH 7.4) and the results showed the biphasic release pattern indicating prolonged release for about 24?h.

Discussion and conclusion: In vitro drug release studies revealed that drug starts releasing after 5?h by the time PLMs may enter into the proximal colon. Hence maximum amount of drug could be released in the colon that may result in reduction in dose and dose frequency as well as side effects of drug as observed with the conventional dosage form of prednisolone.     

Evaluation of Ethylcellulose-Coated Pellets Optimized Using the Approach of Taguchi

Abstract

Spherical granules of theophylline with microcrystalline cellulose and lactose were prepared in a high-speed granulator. An original experimental design based on the philosophy of Taguchi was applied to optimize the yield of the produced granules. Successively, the optimized pellets were coated with an ethylcellulose pseudolatex preparation (Surelease®) in a fluid bed coating machine using a bottom spray noule and a Wurster® column. Finally, these granules were c ompressed into tablets of different hardnesses. The chosen statistical approach proved efficient not only to find the optimal operating conditions for granulation but it also appeared to define the characteristics of a process that was robust and no sensitive to noise factors. Dissolution studies revealed a zero-order release of theophylline from the coated granules, but after the compression step, the ethyl cellulose film was damaged and the drug release was immediate.     

Water Soluble Cellulose Acetate: A Versatile Polymer for Film Coating

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of water soluble cellulose acetate (WSCA) as a film coating material for tablets. Aspirin (ASA) tablets were prepared by direct compression and coated with either WSCA or HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) dispersions. Coatings of 1–3%, depending on the intended application, were applied to the model drug (ASA) tablets employing a side-vented coating pan. Free films of WSCA, prepared by cast method, are crystal clear and, depending on the viscosity grade, are flexible, strong and durable. WSCA has the capability of forming free films without plasticizers and the films dry at room temperature. Glass transition temperature, Tg, was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The Tg of WSCA is significantly higher relative to HPMC. Inclusion of plasticizer lowers the Tg of WSCA and effective plasticizers were PEG 400 and glycerin. Low viscosity WSCA was more soluble in water (25–30%) relative to medium viscosity WSCA (10–15%). WSCA solutions exhibited no increase in viscosity with an increase in temperature. Samples of coated (WSCA and HPMC) tablets and uncoated ASA cores were packaged for stability studies at room and elevated temperature storage. Physical stability of ASA tablets coated with 2:1 LV: MV (low viscosity: medium viscosity) WSCA formulations was better when compared to tablets coated with HPMC. Dissolution stability of WSCA coated ASA was similar to the physical stability results. After three months at elevated temperature (35 and 45°C), the WSCA coated tablets complied with USP dissolution requirements for ASA, while the HPMC coated tablets did not. There was no difference in moisture (weight) gain of ASA tablets coated with either WSCA or HPMC. The WSCA coated tablets were not sticky or tacky, while the HPMC coated tablets were tacky and stuck together.     

Study of in Vitro Kinetics and Liberation Mechanism of Pentoxifylline from Coated Pellets and Compacts Based on 2-Hydroxyethylmethacrylate-Butyl Acrylate Copolymer

Abstract

The influence of certain polymerous auxiliary materials upon the liberation kinetics and mechanism of pentoxifylline from peroral dosage forms has been followed. Solutions in organic solvents (R1, R2, R3) and water dispersions (E35, E36, E37) of the 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate -butylacrylate (2-HEMA-BuA) copolymer containing the monomers as shown in various ratios, were being evaluated. Pellets were prepared from pentoxifylline coated by a layer of the polymers studied, with the subsequent production (by means of direct compression) of tablets containing 300 mg of the drug each. Release of pentoxifylline from the coated pellets and tablets has been determined by the dissolution test in accordance with the 4th edition of the Czechoslovak Pharmacopoeia. Using the Weibull and Higuchi functions parameters, the retarding ability of individual polymers was evaluated. Two mechanisms, viz. the formation of multiple unit tablets from coated pellets, and the application of a suitable polymer type, were observed as important factors related to the retarding effects in the dosage forms as prepared. Dispersion-type polymers were found as more suitable from the retardation viewpoints. From the parameters used in the evaluation of retardation, the mean drug liberation time (MLT) was found as the most advantageous one.     

Evaluation of Ceolus™ microcrystalline cellulose grades for the direct compression of enteric-coated pellets

The preparation of multiparticulate tablets by direct compression of functionally coated pellets is technologically challenging. The objective was to investigate the influence of different grades of microcrystalline cellulose (Ceolus? UF-711, PH-102, PH-200 and KG-802) as fillers on the properties of blends and tablets containing enteric pellets. Celphere? spheres were drug-layered and then functionally coated with Eudragit(?) L 30 D-55/FS 30D dispersion. Tablets loaded with 50% pellets were prepared using pure or binary blends of microcrystalline cellulose fillers. The influence of the filler on the blend flow, segregation tendency, tablet hardness and enteric release properties were studied using a mixture design, and the optimum filler composition was determined. Rapidly disintegrating tablets, which yielded a drug release of less than 10% after 2 hours in acidic medium, could be successfully prepared. The blend composition had a significant effect on the flowability, but less on the tablet hardness which was influenced by the selection of lubricant. Blends containing celluloses with low bulk densities exhibited a reduced tendency to segregate. Pellet distribution uniformity was further improved when using Ceolus? UF-711 blended with a high-density grade. As a conclusion, multiparticulate tablets containing enteric pellets with preserved delayed-release properties were successfully prepared using Ceolus? microcrystalline celluloses as tableting excipients. The optimized filler blend for the direct compression of 50% enteric pellets into tablets contained Ceolus? UF-711 as main component in combination with Ceolus? PH-200.     

Coated pelletized dosage form: Effect of compaction on drug release

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of compaction of a coated pelletized dosage form on drug release. Three sizes of microcrystalline cellulose and hydrous lactose pellets containing 4% chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) were manufactured using a rotogranulator (Glatt GPCG-1). Pellets having mesh cuts of: 590–840 μm (20/30 mesh); 420–590 μm (30/40 mesh); and 250–420 μm (40/60 mesh) were then coated with an aqueous ethylcellulose pseudolatex dispersion plasticized with 24% dibutyl sebacate (DBS). Percent weight gains were 25, 30 and 35% for the 20/30, 30/40 and 40/60 mesh pellets, respectively. Coated pellets were blended with 39.3% by weight excipients, then mixtures lubricated and compacted using a Korsch PH106 instrumented rotary press set at 5 kN and 20 rpm (0.30 s contact time). Magnesium stearate was used as the lubricant at a 0.7% level. Excipients used were microcrystalline cellulose, spray dried lactose, pregelatinized starch, dicalcium phosphate, spray dried sorbitol, polyethylene glycol 8000 powder and compressible sugar. Results indicated this coating to be suitable for the controlled release of CPM from small pellets (250–840 μm). However, films did not have the appropriate mechanical properties to withstand compaction stress without rupturing, regardless of the pellets particle size and excipients used. After compaction, depending on pellet size, between 65–100% CPM was released after one hour as opposed to 10–30% for the non-compacted material. The controlled release properties of the pellets were therefore lost during the process.     

The Influence of Polymeric Subcoats and Pellet Formulation on the Release of Chlorpheniramine Maleate from Enteric Coated Pellets

Abstract

The influences of aqueous polymeric subcoats and pellet composition on the release properties of a highly water-soluble drug, chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), from enteric coated pellets were investigated. Three different aqueous polymeric subcoats, Eudragit® RD 100, Eudragit® RS 30D, and Opadry® AMB, were applied to 10% w/w CPM-loaded pellets that were then enteric coated with Eudragit® L 30D-55. Observed drug release from the coated pellets in acidic media correlated with water vapor transmission rates derived for the subcoat films. The influence of pellet composition on retarding the release of CPM from enteric coated pellets in 0.1 N HCl was investigated. The rate of drug release was greatest for pellets prepared with lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, or dibasic calcium phosphate compared with pellets formulated with citric acid and microcrystalline cellulose. Citric acid reduced the pellet micro-environmental pH, decreasing the amount of drug leakage in 0.1 N HCL during the first 2 hr of dissolution. Polymer flocculation was observed when CPM was added to the Eudragit L 30D-55 dispersion. An adsorption isotherm was generated for mixtures of CPM and the polymer and the data were found to fit the Freundlich model for adsorption. Adsorption of CPM to the polymer decreased with the addition of citric acid to the drug-polymer mixtures.     

Preparation of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Recipe Heart-Protecting Musk pH-Dependent Gradient-Release Pellets

ABSTRACT

In this study a sustained-release formulation of traditional Chinese medicine compound recipe (TCMCR) was developed by selecting heart-protecting musk pills (HPMP) as the model drug. Heart-protecting musk pellets were prepared with the refined medicinal materials contained in the recipe of HPMP. Two kinds of coated pellets were prepared by using pH-dependent methacrylic acid as film-forming material, which could dissolve under different pH values in accordance with the physiological range of human gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The pellets coated with Eudragit L30D-55, which dissolves at pH value over 5.5, were designed to disintegrate and release drug in the duodenum. The pellets coated with Eudragit L100–Eudragit S100 combinations in the ratio of 1:5, which dissolve at pH value 6.8 or above, were designed to disintegrate and release drug in the jejunum to ileum. The pellets coated with HPMC, which dissolves in water at any pH value, were designed to disintegrate and release drug in the stomach. Finally, the heart-protecting musk sustained-release capsules (HPMSRC) with a pH-dependent gradient-release pattern were prepared by encapsulating the above three kinds of coated pellets at a certain ratio in hard gelatin capsule. The results of dissolution of borneol (one of the active compounds of the TCMCR) in vitro demonstrated that the coating load and the pH value of the dissolution medium had little effect on the release rate of borneol from pellets coated with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), but had a significant effect on the release rate of borneol from pellets coated with Eudragit L30D-55 or Eudragit L100–Eudragit S100 combinations in the ratio of 1:5. The pellets coated with Eudragit L30D-55 at 30% (w/w) coating load or above had little drug release in 0.1 mol/L HCl for 3 hr and started to release drug at pH value over 5.5. The pellets coated with Eudragit L100–Eudragit S100 combinations in the ratio of 1:5 at 36% (w/w) coating load or higher had little drug release in 0.1 mol/L HCl for 3 hr and in phosphate buffer of pH value 6.6 for 2 hr, and started to release drug at pH value 6.8 or above. The release profiles of lipophilic bornoel and hydrophilic total ginsenoside from HPMSRC, consisting of three kinds of pellets respectively coated at a certain ratio with HPMC, Eudragit L30D-55, and Eudragit L100–Eudragit S100 in the ratio of 1:5, showed a characteristic of pH-dependent gradient release under the simulated gastrointestinal pH conditions and no significant difference between them. The results indicated that various components with extremely different physicochemical properties in the pH-dependent gradient-release delivery system of TCMCR could release synchronously while sustained-releasing. This complies with the organic whole concept of compound compatibility of TCMCR.     

Formulation and Compaction of Microspheres

Abstract

The factors affecting the tabletability of formulations containing uncoated and/or coated microspheres were discussed by presenting a case study. The size and shape, as well as surface properties of microspherical particles, the type and amount of coating agent, selection of the external additives, and the rate and magnitude of the pressure applied were found to be the most critical factors to be considered in order to obtain and maintain the desired drug release properties of the microspheres. It was found that microcrystalline cellulose was needed in order to produce satisfactory beads in terms of size, shape and surface characteristics. The microsphere formulations, which were found to be highly sensitive to lubrication, were more compressible than their powder forms, but produced much weaker tablets. When coated with Surelease, increasing the amount of coating on the pellets reduced the tensile strength of their compacts. Compaction of the microspheres at high velocities resulted in a decrease in the tensile strength values and an increase in the volumetric strain recovery values. Dissoultion studies revealed that, regardless of the amount of coating applied, the coated microspheres lost their sustained release properties during compaction.     

A High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Determination of the Amount of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Applied to Tablets During an Aqueous Film Coating Operation

Abstract

A method for determination of the amount of polymer film coat actually applied to tablets as a result of aqueous film coating was developed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). A styrene-based GPC column (Ultrastyrage]^R 100A) was found to provide good separation of a commercially available polymer film coat (Opadry^R) from other tablet constituents. The assay method is simple, rapid and reproducible with coefficients of variation less than 2.6% in all cases. The assay is sensitive enough to discriminate between tablets containing different levels of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) when coated simultaneously. The assay was conducted on polymer extracted from the tablets with a solution of 50/50 methanol/methylene chloride. The addition of MCC to tablet formulations was found to increase the amount of film applied, in a competitive coating operation, when all other factors were held constant.     

Development of Terbutaline Sulfate Sustained-Release Coated Pellets

Sustained-release coated pellets containing terbutaline sulfate (TS) 1.8% w/w were prepared. The suitable core formulation that gave round-shape TS pellets was preformulated and was composed of microcrystalline cellulose:lactose 38.61%:57.92%, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC-M®) 1.67%, and water 40%, respectively. The core pellets containing active drug were coated with various amounts of ethylcellulose (EC) and a combination of EC/HPC-M polymers. The effects of fluidized bed polymeric film coats on drug release were studied in vitro. The dissolution characteristics were also investigated. The release of the active drug decreased as the amount of EC increased. This may be due to water-insoluble EC film, leading to decreased permeability in water. In the case of the combination of EC/HPC-M, the release of the active drug increased as the amount of HPC-M in the coating solution increased. Since HPC-M is a water-soluble polymer, it may be suggested that formation of pores were increased in the coating layer. Among five coating formulas in this study, formulation 1 (F1) (at 1.1% EC concentration) shows a similar dissolution profile to Bricanyl Durules®; however, lag time for the release occurred. In conclusion, the formulation that gave an insignificant release profile (p <. 01) when compared with commercial product was the capsule containing F1 (at 1.1% EC concentration) mixed with uncoated pellets at a ratio of 7:1, and the release was found to be reproducible.     

Evaluation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate 50 as film forming polymer from aqueous dispersion systems

Abstract

Hydroxypropyl methylcelluose phthalate 50 (HPMCP 50) was evaluated as a film forming polymer from aqueous dispersion systems. The influence of plasticizer type and level on the elasticity of HPMCP 50 free films prepared by the casting method was studied by measuring Young's modulus using an Instron Material Testing System. The release of a water soluble drug in various dissolution media from pellets coated with HPMCP 50 with 30% plasticizer containing various levels of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was also studied. The influence of coating level on drug release from pellets was also investigated. Results showed that HPMCP 50 alone without a plasticizer does not form a film. However, when a plasticizer was added HPMCP 50 did form a film. Also, as the concentration of the plasticizer triethyl citrate was increased the elasticity of HPMCP 50 films was increased. Similar results were obtained with the plasticizer diethyl phthalate. For pellets a high coating level was required to achieve adequate protection in 0.06 N HCl. Drug release from coated pellets was found to be dependent upon the type and the level of the water soluble polymer incorporated with HPMCP 50. Drug release was increased as the percentage of HPC was increased. Higher release rates were obtained with HPMC compared to HPC. Coating level significantly influenced drug release in 0.06 N HCl; however, less of an effect was observed at pH 5.5.     

Technological Evaluation of three Enteric Coating Polymers I. With an Insoluble Drug

Abstract

The enteric properties of a recent cellulose polymer, cellulose acetate trimellitate (CAT, EASTMAN KODAK) were evaluated on an insoluble substract for comparison, included in this paper are the properties of two other cellulose esters: cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HP55).

The physical properties and disintegration time at pH 1.2 and 6.5 were influenced by the level of coating solution. The gastroresistance was obtained more fastly with CAT and CAP than for HP55.

The influence of coating solution on drug release from tablet was investigated. The dissolution studies were made allowing the variation of pH in the dissolution medium during the kinetics.

Drug release from coated tablets was found to be dependent upon the type of polymers used to form film: higher release rates were obtained with CAT compared to CAP and HP55.     

Peroral Sustained-Release Film-Coated Pellets as a Means to Overcome Physicochemical and Biological Drug-Related Problems. I. In Vitro Development and Evaluation

Abstract

In vitro preformulation testing has shown that the solubility and dissolution rate of the model drug compound ucb 11056 are highly pH dependent. Considering this, different sustained-release (SR) oral dosage forms of ucb 11056 were developed aiming to obtain the most constant and complete release of the drug during transit in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Classical approaches based on the use of SR formulations such as hydrophilic matrix tablets or pellets coated with one film-forming polymer (Eudragit NE30D or L30D-55) did not fulfill all expectations on the basis of their in vitro evaluation, i.e., the drug release and pattern remained highly dependent on the pH of the dissolution medium. Therefore, taking advantage of the flexibility of release adjustment obtainable from coating of pellets with different kinds of pH-sensitive film layers, a quite satisfactory pH independence of the release characteristics was obtained using formulation blends of neutral and anionic acrylic polymers. For the selected SR pellets batch 15 coated with NE30D/L30D-55 (7:3), the tridimensional topographic representation of the drug release versus time and pH showed that, notwithstanding the pH-dependent aqueous solubility of the drug, the release profiles were relatively homogeneous for any pH value ranging between 1 and 7.     

Development and comparative evaluation of in vitro,in vivo properties of novel controlled release compositions of paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate as against Geomatrix™ platform technology

The objective of this study is to develop, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel approaches for controlled release of paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate (PHH) in comparison to patented formulation PAXIL CR^® tablets of GlaxoSmithKline (Geomatrix? technology). In one of the approaches, hydrophilic core matrix tablets containing 85% of the dose were prepared and further coated with methacrylic acid copolymer to delay the release. An immediate release coating of 15% was given as top coat. The tablets were further optionally coated using ethyl cellulose. In the second approach, hydrophobic matrix core tablets containing metharylic acid copolymer were prepared. In the third approach, PHH was granulated with enteric polymer and further hydrophobic matrix core tablets were prepared. The effect of polymer concentration, level of enteric coating on drug release was evaluated by in vitro dissolution study by varying dissolution apparatus and the rotation speeds. It was found that increase in concentration of high viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) resulted in reduction of the release rate. The drug release was observed to be dependent on the level of enteric coating and ethyl cellulose coating, being slower at increased coating. The release mechanism of PHH followed zero-order shifting to dissolution dependent by the increase of HPMC content. The formulation was stable without change in drug release rate. In vivo study in human volunteers confirmed the similarity between test and innovator formulations. In conclusion, HPMC-based matrix tablets, which were further coated using methacrylic acid copolymer, were found to be suitable for the formulation of single layer-controlled release PHH.     

The Effect of Polymer Coating Systems on the Preparation, Tableting, and Dissolution Properties of Sustained-Release Drug Pellets

The preparation of sustained-release (SR) drug pellets and their tablets was evaluated. Pellets containing indomethacin, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (P-HCl), or pseudoephedrine (P) base were prepared by spraying a mixture of drug, Eudragit S-100 resins, dibutyl sebacate, and alcohol onto nonpareil seeds via the Wurster-column process. The oven-dried drug/Eudragit S-100 (DS) pellets were coated with different levels of Eudragit RS and Eudragit S-100 acrylic resins. Tablets containing P-HCl or P-base SR pellets, microcrystalline cellulose, and Methocel K4M were compressed. The solubility of the drug entity in the polymer solution was found to be the most critical factor affecting the yield and the physical properties of the resultant DS pellets. Dissolution studies of Eudragit RS coated drug pellets demonstrated that the release profiles depended not only on the physicochemical properties of the drug, particularly aqueous solubility, but also on the coating levels. The release rate profiles of the matrix tablets can be modified by varying the types of P-HCl or P-base SR pellets in the formulation. The release of drug from the matrix tablets is primarily matrix controlled.     

Development of terbutaline sulfate sustained-release coated pellets

Sustained-release coated pellets containing terbutaline sulfate (TS) 1.8% w/w were prepared. The suitable core formulation that gave round-shape TS pellets was preformulated and was composed of microcrystalline cellulose:lactose 38.61%:57.92%, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC-M) 1.67%, and water 40%, respectively. The core pellets containing active drug were coated with various amounts of ethylcellulose (EC) and a combination of EC/HPC-M polymers. The effects of fluidized bed polymeric film coats on drug release were studied in vitro. The dissolution characteristics were also investigated. The release of the active drug decreased as the amount of EC increased. This may be due to water-insoluble EC film, leading to decreased permeability in water. In the case of the combination of EC/HPC-M, the release of the active drug increased as the amount of HPC-M in the coating solution increased. Since HPC-M is a water-soluble polymer, it may be suggested that formation of pores were increased in the coating layer. Among five coating formulas in this study, formulation 1 (F1) (at 1.1% EC concentration) shows a similar dissolution profile to Bricanyl Durules; however, lag time for the release occurred. In conclusion, the formulation that gave an insignificant release profile (p < .01) when compared with commercial product was the capsule containing F1 (at 1.1% EC concentration) mixed with uncoated pellets at a ratio of 7:1, and the release was found to be reproducible.     

Effect of Formulation Variables on Dissolution Profile of Diclofenac Sodium from Ethyl- and Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose Tablets

Abstract

The effects of formulation variables on the release profile of diclofenac sodium from ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) matrix tablets were investigated. With increase in viscosity of ethyl cellulose used in nonaqueous granulation, a decrease in drug release from the tablets was observed, while the percentage of fines articles passed through 60 mesh) in the granulation had a significant effect on the dissolution profile. Granules containing 15% fines exhibited slow release of the drug in comparison to those containing 30% fines with EC matrices. An analysis of kinetics of drug release from hydrophobic EC matrix showed Fickian diffusion regulated dissolution. Drug release from HPMC tablets followed an apparent zero-order kinetics.     

The Strength and Compaction of Millispheres: The design of a controlled-release drug delivery system for ibuprofen in the form of a tablet comprising compacted polymer-coated millispheres

Abstract

This paper reviews a case study of the design of a controlled-release drug delivery system for ibuprofen in the form of a tablet comprising compacted polymer-coated millispheres (multiparticulate pellets). The particular challenge was to prepare coated millispheres of ibuprofen (a high-dose drug) with the addition of minimal excipients so that the drug-release retarding polymeric membrane surrounding the millispheres remains intact during and after tablet compression, disintegration and release of the millispheres. The study included (a) the design of the uncoated core and its manufacture by wet massing, extrusion, spheronization and drying; (b) the coating of these millispheres with a range of possibly suitable polymers; (c) an assessment of the drug release profiles from these pellets; (d) the quantification by indentation rheology of the mechanical properties of the polymer films used to coat the spheres; (e) the measurement of the mechanical properties of individual uncoated and coated millispheres and f. the design, manufacture and evaluation of compressed tablets containing coated millispheres

The matching of millisphere and polymer mechanical properties was found to be essential in order to ensure minimal damage to the millispheres and the release of virtually intact coated spheres without destruction of their retarded drug-release characteristics. Aqueous polymeric dispersions which formed a film with similar elastic and tensile properties to the uncoated millisphere formulation resulted in the most satisfactory film coating for application to spherical particles which must withstand compaction. Those polymeric films exhibiting significantly greater resilience than the uncoated cores were inappropriate for the film coating of millispheres for compaction into tablets