CHITOSAN MICROSPHERES OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM .2. IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO EVALUATION

A biodegradable diclofenac sodium (DS) microsphere system using chitos an has been characterized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The part icle size distribution and drug content was determined. The release ra te data were investigated by using zero-order, first-order, Hixson-Cro wel and Higuchi kinetics. The optimum DS-Chitosan microsphere formulat ion, empty chitosan microspheres, sustained release commercial product and plain drug were evaluated for pharmacological activity. The ulcer ogenic index in rabbits was also determined.