38
Views
15
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Article

Development and Evaluation of Controlled-Release Diclofenac Microspheres and Tabletted Microspheres

&
Pages 455-470 | Received 15 Mar 1993, Accepted 15 Apr 1993, Published online: 27 Sep 2008
 

Abstract

Diclofenac wax microspheres were prepared using the congealable dispersephase encapsulation method. Emulsifiers, glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and stearic acid, were added to improve the efficiency of emulsification. Microspheres containing either of the emulsifiers or both showed a high drug content (80–90%) and the particle size distribution was log-normal compared with microspheres without the emulsifiers. Increase in GMS concentration decreased the drug release and, in contrast, stearic acid appeared to channel the drug from the wax matrix. The addition of both emulsifiers at different concentrations modified drug release. Increase in dispersant (PVP) concentration, and decrease in microsphere size accelerated the rate of drug release. Higuchi/Baker Londsdale spherical matrix dissolution kinetics was followed. Disintegrating tableted microspheres were prepared with Avicel® and Explotab®. With the increase in compression pressure the crushing force and disintegrating time increased, but the thickness decreased, and the dissolution profile did not appear to be affected. Slightly faster release was noticed with tableted microspheres compared with that of uncompressed microspheres. Tablets containing 40 and 60% microsphere loadings had disintegration times of 5.12 ± 0.63 and 57.73 ± 3.53 min, respectively. In contrast, tablet formulation containing 80% microsphere load had a significant increase in disintegration time (130.83 ± 4.26 min). The dissolution from this formulation also showed a lag time of 30 min in contrast with the other two formulations, which showed no lag time. Increased microsphere size from 215 to 630 μm had no effect on tableting properties (such as hardness and thickness); and only very little effect on dissolution. The microspheres appeared deformed but intact irrespective of compression pressures on scanning electron micrographs.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.