IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF ALGINATE BEADS OF A DICLOFENAC SALT

Alginate beads containing diclofenac hydroxyethylpyrrolidine were form ulated with either Eudragit or chitosan in order to achieve an enteric formulation. In all cases, high entrapment efficiencies were obtained . The examination of fractured beads revealed an internal void in the Eudragit-alginate beads. In contrast, a dense homogeneous internal str ucture was observed in the chitosan-alginate beads due to interpolymer ic complex. An interaction between chitosan and drug was also observed . Under conditions mimicking those in the stomach, a small amount of d rug was released. The alginate-chitosan beads showed a release behavio ur dependent on pH value and alginate-chitosan ratio. (C) 1998 Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.