Formulation Aspects and Effect of Critical Factors for Designing Extended Release Pellets: An Updated Review

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, pellets are playing a dominating role in the world of multiparticulate oral drug delivery. These pellets have many advantages over single-unit dosage forms like extended release. The present review highlights various formulation aspects for the designing of extended release pellets with a special emphasis on effect of key formulation variables. Design includes pellets–matrix and pellets–reservoir systems. Formulation variables such as effect of polymer, plasticizer, pore former, pH adjuster, antitacking agents, and wetting liquids are considered as key formulation variables. The authors lead to a conclusion that designing approaches and formulation factors should be considered and will assist while preparing extended release pellets.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Delayed release
• formulation variables
• matrix pellets
• reservoir pellets

Acknowledgment

The authors thank to facilities provided by the R.C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, and H.R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, Dhule, Maharashtra.

Declaration of interest

No conflict of interest