Formulation and Release Behavior of Diclofenac Sodium in Compritol 888 Matrix Beads Encapsulated in Alginate

Abstract

Sustained-release polymer beads containing diclofenac sodium (DNa) dispersed in Compritol 888 and encapsulated in calcium alginate shell were prepared utilizing 2³ factorial design. The effect of sodium alginate concentration, drug:Compritol 888 weight ratio and CaCl₂ concentration on drug content (%), time for 50% and 80% of the drug to be released, and mean dissolution time (MDT) were evaluated with analysis of variance (ANOVA). An increase in the level of all these factors caused retardation in the release, and t_50%, t_80%, and MDT were increased. The drug release was dependent on the pH of the release media. A formula that gives a release comparable to commercial products was prepared.

Key Words:

• Alginates
• Beads
• Compritol 888
• Diclofenac sodium