Research Paper

The aim of this study was to develop a pH responsive enteric coated extended release multiparticulate dosage form containing a model drug ketoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for rheumatoid arthritis. The drug loaded pellets in matrix form were prepared by using extrusion/spheronization method. The optimized pelletization method revealed that extrusion using 1 mm sieve plate and spheronization friction disc of 2mm carried out at 700 rpm for 510 minutes resulted in good spherical pellets and uniformity in size. Evaluated core pellets were coated with polymer Eudragit® RS 30D on Fluid bed coater to achieve a sustainable release for 12 hours. Ketoprofen as like other NSAID have been reported for gastric mucosal irritation so a pH responsive barrier coat of Eudragit L100-55 was employed on a pan coater for abstaining release in acidic media. The formulated pellets were characterized for shape and size uniformity, friability, surface morphology studies. The particle size of core and polymer coated pellets were found to be in the range of 0.95-1.2 mm and 1.32-1.51 mm respectively. The pellets were spherical in shape with smooth texture and uniformity in size. In-vitro dissolution tests were carried out for pellets in a USP type II dissolution apparatus in media-simulating pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The release of the ketoprofen from formulated pellets was established in pH 1.2 for a period of 2 h, followed by pH 7.5 for rest of the study. The study concluded that the formulated multiparticulate dosage form of ketoprofen was able to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.