Preparation and In-Vitro Evaluation of A Controlled Release Drug Delivery System of Theophylline Using An Aqueous Acrylic Resin Dispersion.

Abstract

Eudragit® E30D was utilized in conjunction with talc and xanthan gum to coat theophylline granules via a Wurster-type air suspension column. Since the resin is extremely tacky and cannot be used alone as a coating formulation, different amounts of talc and xanthan gum were incorporated into the Eudragit® E30D suspension to allow for coating of theophylline granules. The release profile of theophylline from the coated granules was found to be dependent on the ratio of the additives to the resin used in the coating suspension as well as on the coating level applied to the final product. A sample of theophylline granules coated with a film-coating suspension containing 1.5:1.0: :Talc: Eudragit® E30D resin (calculated on dry basis) exhibited a zero order release profile. However, the in-vitro release rates of this formulation decreased on storage. As the ratio of talc and Eudragit® E30D was changed to 1:1, the coated theophylline granules showed a release profile that remained unchanged even after exposure at room temperature, 30° C and 40° C for three months. A stable theophylline formulation was achieved by curing the coated product at 40°C for 24 hours.