The Effect of Indomethacim Microcapsules on Intestinal Ulceration in the Rat

Abstract

The absorption of indomethacin in the rat was studied following a single oral dose of indomethacin in the form of the powdered drug or microcapsules.

Serum levels of unmetabolized drug were measured and gastrointestinal ulceration was assessed 72 hours after dosing by measuring the tensile strength of the intestine after its removal from the animal and by counting the number of ulcers present on the intestinal wall.

In vitro dissolution of the powdered drug and microcapsules was carried out in water, in Polyethylene Glycol solution and in 40mM sodium cholate solution for a comparison with the in vivo results.

Both in vitro and in vivo results for the microcapsules were similar to those of the powdered drug and therefore encapsulation of indomethacin offered no advantage over conventional dosage forms.