Drug release kinetics from tablet matrices based upon ethylcellulose ether-derivatives: a comparison between different formulations

The present study involved the preparation of ibuprofen-containing controlled release tablets formulated from either the established granular product, Ethocel®Standard Premium, or the novel finely-milled product, Ethocel®Standard FP Premium. The tablets were prepared by either direct compression or wet granulation. The aim was to explore the influence of different parameters on the kinetics and mechanisms of ibuprofen release from the tablets. These parameters were; polymer particle size, polymer molecular weight, drug : polymer ratio, preparation methodology and partial replacement of lactose with the coexcipient—hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The derived drug release data were analyzed with reference to various established mathematical models while the f₂-metric technique was used in order to determine profile equivalency. It was found that drug release was mostly modulated by several interactive factors apparently exhibiting crosstalk. Nevertheless, it was possible to identify some simple rules. Incorporation of Ethocel® FP polymers and application of the wet granulation technique facilitated greater efficiency in controlling ibuprofen release behavior from the matrices. Furthermore, drug release profiles could be modulated by partial substitution of the primary excipient with HPMC. Polymer concentrations and particle sizes, rather than viscosity grade, were found to be decisive factors in controlling drug release rates.