Evaluation of Ethylcellulose as a Matrix for Prolonged Release Formulations. II. Sparingly Water-Soluble Drugs: Ibuprofen and Indomethacin

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Abstract
The main purpose of this investigation was to evaluate ethylcellulose as a carrier for the preparation of prolonged release solid dispersions of sparingly water-soluble drugs, ibuprofen and indomethacin. Solid dispersions containing various concentrations of ethylcellulose of different viscosity grades were prepared by the solvent method. Tablets were directly compressed from solid dispersions (40/100 mesh) with 0.5% Primojel as a disintegrant and 0.5% magnesium stearate as a lubricant. In vitro release studies employed a rotating bottle system with Sorenson's buffer solution (pH 7.4). It was found that prolongation of drug release was primarily associated with an increase in amount of ethylcellulose rather than the viscosity grade. Nonetheless, the higher the viscosity grade of ethylcellulose, the slower the release of drug from granular and compressed solid dispersions. The release rate of ibuprofen was faster than that of indomethacin from different solid dispersion formulations.